Awards and Recognition | American Public University (APU)

On August 4, 2026, American Public University System combined with Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing to form a single higher education institution. American Public University System (the System) now includes American Public University, American Military University, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). We are continuing to update our website to reflect our new structure.

Celebrating Award Recipients

Each year, the University honors students, alumni, faculty, staff, and student organizations whose academic achievements, leadership, service, innovation, and professional accomplishments have made a meaningful impact on the University and the communities they serve.

Awards are presented during Commencement following a competitive review process.

2027 Application Timeline

September 2026: Application period opens
February 1, 2027: Application deadline
February - March 2027: Committee review
April 1, 2027: Recipients notified
June 2027: Awards presented during Commencement

Browse awards by category below. Each award page includes eligibility requirements, selection criteria, required materials, and important application information.

Not Sure Which Award is Right for You?

You may be eligible for more than one University award. Review each award's eligibility requirements and application materials to determine which opportunities best reflect your accomplishments.

Questions About University Awards?

Our University Events & Recognition Team is happy to help with questions about:

Eligibility
Award selection
Application requirements
Nomination process
General award information

Email us at universityawards@apus.edu.

Academic Scholar Award

Recognizes excellence in academic achievement, scholarly engagement, and meaningful contributions to the University.

Academic Scholar Award

Alumni Service Award

Recognizes exceptional alumni who have rendered distinctive service to their communities, professions, or the University.

Alumni Service Award

Chapter Advisor of the Year Award

Presented to an individual who demonstrated exceptional dedication to supporting a student organization and fostering an engaging, inclusive, and successful chapter experience.

Chapter Advisor of the Year Award

Chapter of the Year Award

Recognizes a student organization that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, engagement, service, and organizational excellence throughout the academic year.

Student Organization Chapter of the Year Award

Dr. Wallace E. Boston Leadership Award

Recognizes an outstanding member of the University community whose leadership has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the University and those it serves.

Dr. Wallace E. Boston Leadership Award

Excellence in Teaching Award

Recognizes faculty members who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to student learning through outstanding instruction, innovation, and academic excellence.

woman in cap and gown shaking hands with man in cap and gown

James P. Etter Creativity and Innovation Award

Recognizes an individual whose creativity, vision, and ingenuity have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the University or community.

James P. Etter Creativity and Innovation Award

Mary Kim Ward Resilience and Service Award

Recognizes graduating students who have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.

Mary Kim Ward Resilience and Service Award

Outstanding Campus Leader Award

Recognizes a student or alum who has demonstrated exceptional leadership through meaningful and sustained engagement in the University community.

Outstanding Campus Leader Award

Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year Award

Recognizes an educator whose sustained commitment to teaching, mentorship, and student success exemplifies the very best of APU.

Outstanding Faculty Award

Outstanding Faculty Scholarship and Research Award

Recognizes a faculty member whose scholarly contributions demonstrate a sustained commitment to research, advance knowledge within their field and strengthen their teaching at the University.

Faculty Scholarship Research Award

Outstanding Legacy Project Award

Recognizes a registered University student organization that has created, completed, and registered an exceptional Legacy Project through the Office of Student and Alumni Affairs.

Outstanding New Faculty Member of the Year Award

Recognize outstanding new faculty who demonstrate teaching excellence in the classroom, value innovation and learning, support student success, and demonstrate classroom leadership.

Outstanding New Faculty Member of the Year Award

Outstanding New Student Organization Award

Recognizes a newly established student organization that has quickly created a positive presence within the University community.

Outstanding New Organization Award

Recognizes alumni whose sustained professional excellence, commitment to service, and lifelong pursuit of learning have created a meaningful and lasting impact within their profession, community, or society.

Distinguished Graduate Award

President's Award

Recognizes an exceptional graduating student whose achievements exemplify academic excellence, servant leadership, integrity, and a sustained commitment to making a positive difference.

President's Award

Student Speaker Award

Recognizes graduating students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, perseverance, and service, and who have the ability to inspire others through their personal story.

Man in graduation cap and gown giving speech during ceremony

Recognizes a graduating student from the military-connected community who demonstrates exceptional academic commitment, leadership, perseverance, and meaningful impact while balancing the unique demands of military-connected life.

Valor Award

Voices of Impact Award

Recognizes a member of the University community whose leadership fosters meaningful dialogue, encourages understanding across differing perspectives, and creates environments where individuals feel welcomed, respected, and valued.

Excellence in Diversity Award