Distinguished Service Award

Distinguished Service Award

Nomination Guidelines

SELF-NOMINATIONS ARE ALLOWED.

Purpose:
The AECT Distinguished Service Award is the highest given by AECT and honors contributions and accomplishments impacting the field of educational communications and technology (ECT) and related fields. The award recognizes exemplars from innovation, creative development, outstanding leadership, scholarly works, and professional practice at career milestones or during a lifetime of achievement including activity in AECT as well as other organizations and communities.

Eligibility:
- There is not a specific requirement for the timing, nature or variety of service.  
- The award can honor specific accomplishments or a career of broad achievement.
- The nominee need not be a member of AECT.
- The award may be given more than once to the same person with approval of the AECT Executive Committee. 
- Nominee may not be serving as a current member of the AECT Board of Directors or the Awards Committee.

Review Criteria:
Evidence of exemplary achievement, contributions, and impact on any aspect of the field.
Quality of support from additional references for the nomination.

(See evaluation rubric below)

Selection:
Nominations are coordinated, reviewed and recipients approved initially by the AECT Awards Committee. An award review sub-committee led by a member of the AECT Awards Committee and comprised of award committee members and non-members including a previous award recipient reports selections to the Chair for consideration by the full Awards Committee which forwards final recommendations to the AECT Executive Committee for confirmation.  
This honor is limited to two recipients per year.

Nomination Procedures:
Before entering and submitting, review the form and then have all information prepared in advance.  Include any additional documentation as directed.  If a procedural or technical issue arises contact AECT headquarters or the award contact listed below for alternative submission options.  Include comments from one or more references.  Required contact information for references includes name and email address along with additional requested information. Once submitted, an email will be sent to each reference requesting comments via a link in the message.

Nomination Form: Submit nomination

Nature of Award: Plaque

Presentation: Awards Ceremony during a General Session at the AECT annual convention.

Funding And Support: AECT

Nominations due by: April 18, 2025

Award Management on behalf of AECT: AECT Awards Committee

Contact : AECT Awards Committee

Rubric for Evaluating Nominations

Criteria

4 - Exemplary

3 - Proficient

2 - Developing

1 - Emerging

Innovation and Creative Development

Demonstrates extraordinary creativity and originality, leading to major advancements or innovations that have widely impacted the field.

Demonstrates strong creativity and has contributed to meaningful advancements within the field.

Some innovative contributions, with limited or moderate impact on practices or methods.

Few or no innovative contributions. Limited evidence of creative work that impacts the field.

Leadership and Professional Practice

Exemplary leadership that has influenced the direction of the field, with roles across AECT and/or other organizations or communities.

Demonstrates impactful leadership within AECT or related organizations, positively influencing the field.

Some leadership roles with positive contributions, though less frequent or less impactful.

Limited leadership experience. Minimal or no notable influence on the field or related organizations.

Scholarly Contributions

Significant scholarly works, consistently cited or referenced, that demonstrate broad and lasting influence on the field.

Strong scholarly contributions with demonstrated impact and application within the field.

Some scholarly works that are relevant to the field, though limited in impact or reach.

Few or no scholarly contributions with limited or no documented impact on the field.

Overall Impact on the Field

Demonstrates a lifetime of achievement with a sustained, transformative impact on the field, influencing practices globally or nationally.

Demonstrates significant achievements and a positive impact on the field, contributing to notable practices.

Some impact on the field, with evidence of contributions that have influenced certain areas of the field.

Limited or no significant impact on the field. Contributions are minimal or narrowly focused.