Distinguished Faculty Award

The Distinguished Faculty Award recognizes a faculty member for demonstrated support of college unions and campus community building.

2026 Recipient: Dr. Catherine “Cathy” Horn, University of Houston

Dr. Catherine “Cathy” Horn is not only a nationally respected scholar and dean, but she is also one of the most influential, collaborative, and engaged academic partners to the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Houston. Her impact on the campus community spans more than 15 years of teaching, research, mentorship, and deeply valued partnership with the college union and the broader student life portfolio. As one nominator shared, “Through her leadership, scholarship, mentorship, and authentic engagement, Dr. Cathy Horn has significantly strengthened the college union community at UH and has helped ensure that the union remains a powerful space for community, belonging, and student development.” 

Nominations are now closed. Submission materials must include the following:

  • Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
  • Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
  • Two to three letters in support of the applicant to receive the award written by individuals such as direct supervisors/advisors, peers/colleagues, students, faculty members, etc., addressing:
    • The achievements of the nominee in the profession.
    • The demonstrated commitment of the nominee to the criteria identified for this specific award.
    • A summary of the nominee’s background to provide evidence that they meet the criteria identified for this specific award, including information related to professional experience and volunteer service—providing a current resume or curriculum vitae for the nominee is optional.

The review process includes, but is not limited to, an assessment of the criteria listed below. The nominee must:

  • Demonstrate evidence of including the college union idea in coursework.
  • Conduct or support research relevant to advancing campus community.
  • Foster relationships that promote the college union and demonstrate participation outside of their position as a faculty member.

Individuals with ACUI membership and whose full-time role is as a faculty member are eligible for this award. Nominations will be considered for five years, provided the nominee still holds a full-time faculty role. Nominees do not need to be tenured or tenure-track.

Electronic notification will be sent to confirm award submissions have been received. A confidential Individuals Awards and Scholarships Committee, appointed annually by the ACUI president, will review materials to make the selection. One recipient will be chosen, unless otherwise noted for the specific award. One physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the annual conference and in subsequent publications.

  • 2025: Dr. Marcelo Vinces, Northwestern University 
  • 2024: Dr. Jacqueline Hodes, West Chester University
  • 2023: Dr. Tricia Shalka, University of Rochester 
  • 2021: Dr. Marquita Gammage, California State University–Northridge
  • 2020: Lawrence Baden, Webster University
  • 2019: Danielle DeSawa, Indiana University–Bloomington
  • 2018: Chris Laws, University of Washington