Leading Light– an influential or exemplary person in a field of endeavor who provides leadership in the development and progression of best practices. This award is designed to recognize influential and exemplary individuals who have made significant contributions to diversity within NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising.

Diversity, as defined by the NACADA Board of Directors, includes ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disabilities,and sexual orientation as well as diversity in regard to institutional type, size, and employment position. Examples of contributions are innovations to encourage advisers from underrepresented populations to join and remain in NACADA, outreach to specific underrepresented populations, service to NACADA on behalf of an underrepresented population, etc.

Eligibility:

1. A nominee must be a current member of NACADA and must also have a history of involvement and membership in the organization.
2. Previous winners are not eligible.
3. Exhibit visionary and insightful leadership to promote and ensure diversity within and among NACADA members.
4. Provide leadership in the development of best practices that support the diversity goals of NACADA.

**Current members of the Board of Directors or Council are not eligible for consideration for this award. After the member's term of office is over, s/he may then be eligible for consideration.

Submission Procedures:
Nominations must contain adequate factual or descriptive material for the Selection Committee to evaluate the nomination, including:

1. A completed Online Nomination Form
2. A supporting letter from the nominator, providing evidence that the candidate has made significant contributions to diversity within the National Academic Advising Association. Contributions include innovations to encourage advisers from underrepresented populations to join and be contributing members of NACADA, outreach to specific underrepresented populations, service to NACADA on behalf of an underrepresented population. Contributions may be at any level of the organization.
3. Letters of support from from other NACADA members (6 letters maximum).
4. Additional materials that support the candidate's nomination.

*Nominations must include only original documentation prepared specifically for the NACADA Awards Program. Materials intended for other award programs will not be considered.