To recognize outstanding leadership across the profession, LGBTQ Leaders in Higher Education presents three distinct honors annually. These awards, including the new for 2026 Mid-Career Leader Award, reflect our mission to celebrate inclusive excellence, support professional development, and advocate for LGBTQ+ issues in higher education. Below are descriptions of all three awards.
The 2025 Founders Award was presented to Charlita Shelton and Karen Whitney by the inaugural winners Ray Crossman and Chuck Middleton, shown here at the 2025 Leadership Institute with Board President Joe Bertolino. (From left, Middleton, Bertolino, Whitney, Shelton, Crossman.)
Mid-Career Leader Award (new for 2026)
To celebrate and support mid-career LGBTQ+ professionals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to LGBTQ+ equity within higher education.
Eligibility
Nominees must:
- Identify as LGBTQ+
- Work in a higher education setting (administration, faculty, student affairs, etc.)
- Have 11-20 years of leadership experience in higher education
- Demonstrate ongoing contributions to LGBTQ+ inclusion through research, programming, advocacy, or other efforts
- Be a member in good standing of LGBTQ Leaders in Higher Education
Selection Criteria
- Leadership Excellence: Proven ability to lead inclusive initiatives
- Advocacy and Impact: Measurable influence on campus climate, policy, or equity outcomes
- Innovation: Creative solutions to address challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals
- Community Engagement: Collaboration with stakeholders to build supportive networks
- Professional Development: Dedication to growth and mentorship of others
Founders Award
To honor a legacy of transformative leadership by a senior LGBTQ+ higher education executive who has dedicated at least 20 years to championing equity, innovation, and inclusion across institutions.
Eligibility
Nominees must:
- Identify as LGBTQ+
- Have 20 or more years of service in higher education
- Hold or have held a senior executive role (e.g., president, chancellor, provost, senior vice president)
- Demonstrate significant and sustained leadership that has transformed institutional culture and outcomes for individuals of all identities
- Be a member in good standing of LGBTQ Leaders in Higher Education
Selection Criteria
- Service to the Field: Extensive and impactful career contributions
- Exemplary Leadership: Visionary leadership recognized across the profession
- Institutional Transformation: Proven innovations that enhanced equity and inclusion
Emerging Leader Award
To celebrate and support early-career LGBTQ+ professionals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to LGBTQ+ equity within higher education.
Eligibility
Nominees must:
- Identify as LGBTQ+
- Work in a higher education setting (administration, faculty, student affairs, etc.)
- Have 5–10 years of leadership experience in higher education
- Demonstrate ongoing contributions to LGBTQ+ inclusion through research, programming, advocacy, or other efforts.
- Be a member in good standing of LGBTQ Leaders in Higher Education
Selection Criteria
- Leadership Excellence: Proven ability to lead inclusive initiatives
- Advocacy and Impact: Measurable influence on campus climate, policy, or equity outcomes
- Innovation: Creative solutions to address challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals
- Community Engagement: Collaboration with stakeholders to build supportive networks
- Professional Development: Dedication to growth and mentorship of others
Nomination Process
Nomination Period
June 16 – July 27, 2026
Who Can Nominate
- Colleagues
- Supervisors
- Self-nominations are welcome
Nomination Requirements
- A letter detailing the nominee’s qualifications and impact
- The nominee’s current résumé or CV
- At least one letter of support (required for self-nominations; encouraged for all others)
- Optional: A portfolio of supporting work (e.g., publications, media, programs, or research)
- Mid-Career Leaders Award: submissions open June 16
- Founders Award: submissions open June 16
- Emerging Leaders Award: submissions open June 16