Two-Year College Professional Service Award

Nominations are now open! Submit by November 20!

This award acknowledges a professional at a two-year institution who exemplifies excellence in the enhancement of the college union ideal and is recognized by peers as a leader and person of integrity.

2025 Recipient: Chelsea Kimmett, Portland Community College

Over the course of her 15-year career in student affairs, Chelsea Kimmett has consistently exemplified dedication, leadership, and a deep commitment to both ACUI and the students she serves. From her early days as a student leader at Portland Community College, where her passion for student life was ignited, to her current role, Chelsea has remained a steadfast advocate for community colleges and student success. Her work on campus is quite impactful, particularly in redesigning the student leadership program and addressing critical issues like food insecurity, homelessness, and student basic needs. Chelsea’s unwavering focus on student success, sustainability, and equity has made her a respected leader both within ACUI and in the larger student affairs community.

Nominations are now open through November 20!

Nominate Now

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 exceptional achievement in the profession at a two-year college.
Be involved in two-year college issues and be held in esteem by colleagues through this involvement.
Demonstrate commitment to ACUI through volunteer service.
Understand the importance of the profession in advancing campus community.

Professionals employed at a two-year college that is an ACUI member institution are eligible for this award.

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.

2023: Amanda Doperalski, University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
2022: Emily Brooke, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh–Fond du Lac
2021: Not awarded
2020: Don Phelps – County College of Morris
2018: Michelle Brown – Snow College
2017: Kristen Mruk – Genesee Community College
2016: Joshua Peters-McBride – Portland Community College–Southeast
2015: Mike Coleman – Tallahassee Community College
2011: Sharon Silverstein – Suffolk County Community College
2009: Thomas Priester – Finger Lakes Community College
2008: Joseph Maurer – Lone Star College–Montgomery
2006: Mandy Ellertson – Portland Community College

2003: Kathleen Maiuri – Macomb Community College
2002: Jim Eustrom – Chemeketa Community College
2001: Gail Anderson Cywinski – Normandale Community College
2000: Ed Snyder – College of Lake County
1999: Jeanni Winston-Mui – Frederick Community College
1998: Barbara Slagle – Tulsa Community College
1997: Cami Bishop – Portland Community College
1996: Curtis Smout – Salt Lake Community College
1995: Jay Boyar – Prince George’s Community Colleg