To recognize outstanding leadership across the profession, LGBTQ Leaders in Higher Education presents two distinct honors annually. Both awards reflect our mission to celebrate inclusive excellence, support professional development, and advocate for LGBTQ+ issues in higher education.
The Founders Award was given for the first time in 2024 to Chuck Middleton (second from right) and Ray Crossman, shown here at the Leadership Institute with Board President Kristin Esterberg (r) and Board Member Mel Netzhammer (l). (Theo Kalikow was also awarded, not shown.)
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.
- Must 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- to 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 5–10 years of leadership experience in higher education
- Demonstrate ongoing contributions to LGBTQ+ inclusion through research, programming, advocacy, or other efforts.
- Must 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
July 7 – August 11, 2025
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)
- Founders Award: submit here.
- Emerging Leaders Award: submit here.