Excellence in Distance Education Awards

The DEAC Awards Committee invites nominations to recognize dedicated volunteers and community participants whose time, talent, and leadership make a meaningful difference in advancing DEAC’s mission and improving the lives of distance education students. These awards honor those whose dedication makes lasting contributions to the distance education community, strengthens the quality and impact of our programs, and advances our shared mission of promoting excellence in distance education. In honor of DEAC’s Centennial, the Awards Committee is introducing three new award categories—the Global Impact Award, the Excellence in Peer Evaluation Award, and the Outstanding Faculty Award—to highlight the worldwide influence of distance education and to celebrate a century of service, innovation, and freedom to learn for students everywhere.

By submitting a nomination, you help spotlight the remarkable individuals who play a vital role in shaping the future of DEAC and supporting the success of our students and institutions. The nomination forms and more detailed descriptions of each award category are available through the links below. The Awards Committee selects the award recipients.

Distinguished Service Award ›

In recognition of distinguished and enduring service in support of DEAC’s mission and the advancement of quality assurance in distance education.

The DEAC Distinguished Service Award honors a DEAC volunteer, commissioner, institutional representative, or contributor who has made a long-standing and meaningful impact on DEAC’s work. This award celebrates individuals whose service reflects exceptional dedication to peer review, governance, standards development, or advocacy for quality in distance learning through the lens of DEAC’s mission and values.

Rising Star Award ›

In recognition of emerging leadership, exceptional promise, and a growing impact on the future of distance education and accreditation.

The DEAC Rising Star Award celebrates an individual who exemplifies professional growth, forward-thinking leadership, and a deep commitment to the values of DEAC and the field of distance education. Whether through academic innovation, student support, institutional improvement, or service to DEAC, this rising professional is distinguished by their potential to become a future leader in distance education and accreditation.

Innovation Award ›

In recognition of innovative practices that elevate the quality and creativity of distance education and advance student success in DEAC-accredited institutions.

The DEAC Innovation Award honors those who bring fresh ideas to life in distance education. This award celebrates individuals or teams whose novel practices, technologies, or pedagogical approaches have demonstrably improved student engagement, access, learning outcomes, or institutional effectiveness. Innovations may involve curriculum design, instructional delivery, learner support services, assessment strategies, or use of technology, so long as they represent a meaningful advancement in the field.

New in 2026:
Global Impact Award ›

Honoring innovation that makes high-quality education accessible to learners everywhere.

The DEAC Global Impact Award celebrates outstanding contributions that transcend borders and demonstrate how distance education can be a force for equity and transformation. Recipients of this award have developed unique educational opportunities that connect learners globally, bridging geographic, economic, and cultural barriers, while exemplifying DEAC’s mission of assuring quality and integrity in distance learning.

New in 2026:
Excellence in Peer Evaluation ›

In recognition of outstanding service, thoughtful leadership, and a steadfast commitment to quality and improvement in distance education.

The DEAC Excellence in Peer Evaluation Award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated exemplary commitment and professionalism in their role as a DEAC evaluator. This award celebrates evaluators who consistently exhibit thoughtfulness, fairness, and deep understanding in the application of accreditation standards—while serving as trusted partners in promoting institutional quality and improvement.

New in 2026:
Outstanding Faculty Award ›

In recognition of exemplary teaching, mentorship, and dedication to student learning in distance education.

The DEAC Outstanding Faculty Award honors a faculty member who demonstrates exemplary teaching, fosters deep student engagement, and contributes meaningfully to academic quality in the distance learning environment at their institution. This award celebrates faculty who go above and beyond in delivering instruction that is rigorous, accessible, inclusive, and student-centered—helping learners achieve their goals and grow intellectually and professionally.

All award nominations are being accepted through January 31, 2026 and will be presented at the Centennial Celebration Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 during the DEAC 2026 Annual Conference at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, DC. Join us in recognizing a Century of excellence and building a strong distance education community that celebrates student achievement, innovation, creativity and freedom to learn!

Award Committee Members