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NCACE Awards

NCACE has a long history of honoring our members who have contributed to the success of our profession and our organization. Read on for descriptions of our awards and award winners!

The Furney K. James Outstanding Service Award

NCACE recognizes outstanding service rendered to the Association by an active member (or former member) of the Association. This award is based on organization involvement and commitment for 5+ years, and eligibility demonstrated by one or more of the following attributes:

  • A significant contribution to NCACE through participation at Association functions, volunteer leadership, mentoring, and participation;
  • Development of a model, creative program, or concept that impacts the Association.

Past Recipients

2023-2024 Jane Matthews & Lori Sykes

2022-2023 Allison Binkley

2021-2022 Dana Hutchens

2020-2021 Kathleen Fenner

2019-2020 Sue Brien

2018-2019 Lori Brasile

2017-2018 Eddie Lovett

2016-2017 Jane Mehringer

2015-2016 Katie Wohlman

2014-2015 Mike Phillips

2013-2014 Jenny Sloop Johnson



2012-2013 Dana Hutchens

2011-2012 Leslie Rand-Pickett

2010-2011 Sarah Concini

2009-2010 Lisa Flint-Morris

2007-2008 Jeannette Moss

2006-2007 Holly Sweat

2005-2006 Dana Sumner

2004-2005 Melanie Right

2003-2004 Kent Hester

2002-2003 Pat Williams & Brenda Tyson

2001-2002 Pam Brumbaugh

Outstanding Professional Award

NCACE recognizes outstanding service rendered to the Association by an active member (or former member) of the Association. This award is based on organization involvement and commitment, eligibility demonstrated by one or more of the following attributes:

  • Demonstrated exemplary leadership in the post-secondary career services and employment field;
  • Significant research, publication(s), and/or professional presentation(s) that have impacted the profession;
  • Development of a model, creative program, or applied professional concept that impacts the post-secondary career services and related fields.

Past Recipients

2023-2024 Nadia Chamberlain

2022-2023 David Earnhardt

2021-2022 Patrick Madsen

2020-2021 Geralyn Mitchell

2019-2020 Jenna Hartwell

2018-2019 Megan Walters

2016-2017 Alan Mueller

2015-2016 Patrick Madsen

2014-2015 Ray Angle

2013-2014 Leslie Wright



2012-2013Eric Melniczek

2011-2012 Timothy Stiles

2009-2010 Thom Rhakes

2007-2008 Pat Nash

2006-2007 Pam Brumbaugh

2005-2006 Marie Sumerel

2004-2005 Karen Thompson

2002-2003 Jeff Nardo

2001-2002 Brutus Jackson

2000-2001 Gordon Folger



Outstanding Employer Award

NCACE recognizes service rendered to the Association by an employer member. This award is based on organization involvement and commitment, eligibility demonstrated by and employer member who has maintained continued membership in the Association for a minimum of 2+ years, and exhibits one or more of the following attributes:
  • A significant contribution to the NCACE community through participation at NCACE functions
  • Demonstrated leadership within the Association via conference events, workshops, visitations, etc. providing thought leadership and dedicated volunteerism
  • Participation in campus activities (job fair participation, leadership conferences, career seminars) of Association member institutions

Past Recipients

2023-2024 JELD-WEN

2022-2023 Novant Health

2021-2022 Fifth-Third Bank

2020-2021 Reynolds American

2019-2020 Lowes Inc.

2018-2019 Belk

2017-2018 Waffle House

2015-2016 Waffle House

2014-2015 Enterprise




2012-2013 Enterprise

2010-2011 Credit Suisse

2009-2010 Lowes Companies

2006-2007 Southern Bank

2005-2006 Duke Energy

2004-2005 Novozymes

2003-2004 BB&T

2002-2003 VF Jeanswear

2001-2002 Belk Stores Services

2000-2001 Enterprise

Presidential Recognition Award

The NCACE President recognizes emerging leaders providing notable contributions to the Association, career services and/or college recruitment who have exceeded expectations within the organization.

Recognition is for one or more of the following:

  • Demonstration of originality and creativity in professional activities and/or displaying distinctive qualities for leadership
  • NCACE member for a minimum of one year and a maximum of four years

Past Recipients


2023-2024 Dana Hutchens

2022-2023 Travis Wright

2021-2022 Meredith Oakley

2020-2021 Cate Marshall

2019-2020 Sue Brien

2018-2019 Christy Curts

2017-2018 Jonathan Adams


2016-2017 Kaitlyn Bayley

2015-2016 Tiffany Waddell Tate

2014-2015 Jenna Hartwell

2013-2014 Lori Sykes

2012-2013 Patrick Roberts

2011-2012 Jessie Langley

2010-2011 Lisa Tandan

Innovation Award

NCACE Innovation Award: This award may be presented to a college or employer member (which can be for an individual, team or office) to recognize their contributions towards the implementation of a unique and creative approach relevant to student programming, employer/university relations, recruiting and/or training. The purpose for this award is to uphold high standards of excellence in support of student/employer/university engagement, to encourage and reward creativity in our profession and to recognize and share best practices.

Past Recipients

2022-2023 University of North Carolina at Charlotte University Career Center

2021-2022 Wake Forest University Office of Personal and Career Development

2020-2021 Travis Wright


Lifetime Membership

Honorary Lifetime Members. Individuals no longer eligible for regular membership and who have made a notable contribution in the field of career services/recruitment/selection/employment and to the Association. These members are not subject to annual dues. During each year, the membership will be surveyed to determine who are retiring, leaving the Association or leaving the career services or human resources fields.

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