Nominations are now open for the 2025-26 Excellence in Community Engagement Awards at Augusta University. The Office of Community Engagement will accept submissions until Friday, Jan. 23, at 5 p.m.
These awards aim to recognize faculty, staff, students, and community partners who reflect the university’s values of impact, collaboration, engagement, reciprocity, and innovation. According to the Office of Community Engagement, these principles are intended to promote meaningful change and partnerships between Augusta University (AU) and the surrounding community.
There are five categories: Faculty Award, Staff Award, Undergraduate Student Award, Graduate Student Award, and Outstanding Community Partner Award.
“These awards highlight the meaningful partnerships and impactful work happening here at AU and in the community, giving us an opportunity to recognize those who exemplify community engagement,” said Amanda Richardson, community engagement manager in the Office of Community Engagement.
Last year’s recipients included Carrie Reif-Stice from the Department of Communication as faculty honoree; Ketarya Hunt Bass from the Dental College of Georgia as staff awardee; undergraduate student Anna Reeves; graduate student Mitchell Hanson; and Asociación Latina de Servicios del CSRA as Outstanding Community Partner. Their contributions were noted for advancing AU’s mission through partnerships that address local needs and enhance civic involvement.
Each award has specific eligibility requirements. The Faculty Award is open to full-time faculty who have integrated service-learning into their courses for at least two semesters within the last two years. Nominees cannot have won in the past two years.
The Student Awards honor one undergraduate and one graduate student currently enrolled full-time at AU with a record of leadership or innovative service initiatives completed within the last academic year. Previous winners are not eligible.
The Staff Award is designated for full-time staff members with a recent history—within two years—of supporting campus-community partnerships or service initiatives. Recipients must not have received this recognition in the previous three years.
The Community Partner Award recognizes organizations or agencies that have worked with AU during the current academic year on projects that demonstrate strong collaboration and measurable impact on community initiatives. Past winners cannot be nominated again.
Award criteria across all categories focus on leadership in service projects, evidence of positive outcomes for both students and communities served, commitment to ongoing collaboration with university members or groups, and alignment with best practices in engaged learning.
