Recognizing Economic Development Initiatives
The Awards of Excellence are given in recognition of outstanding economic development practice that effectively align research and partnerships to drive regional growth and build thriving communities. Recognized programs and leaders illustrate the value of aligning institutional assets with community and industry needs. These efforts underscore the role of higher education as a catalyst for long-term economic vitality.
What impact does an Award of Excellence have on nominees?
Many finalists and winners find that an Awards of Excellence helps leverage their initiatives towards opportunities and build momentum towards growth. Projects and institutions recognized by the Awards of Excellence recognition can expect to experience:
- Recognition that reinforces a position of leadership in economic development practice
- Thoughtful review and validation from experienced peers across higher education and industry partnerships
- Greater visibility and exposure of your project’s strengths to potential funders and partners
Hear how it impacted Leslie Sieck from Culver-Stockton College:
Awards of Excellence Program Process
| 2026 Program Schedule | |
| MAY – TBD | Call for Nominations open: Submit your nomination form online through the UEDA Application Portal. |
| JUNE – TBD | Attend the Awards of Excellence Informational Webinar. |
| SEPTEMBER – TBD | Finalists are selected and notified. |
| OCTOBER – TBD | Finalists attend the Awards of Excellence presentation preparation webinar. |
| DECEMBER 2 – 4 | Attend the UEDA Annual Summit in Pensacola, FL. All Awards of Excellence finalists must attend the Summit in person to present to those in attendance for judging. |
Awards of Excellence categories
Talent
The Talent category focuses on programs that prepare individuals to succeed in the 21st century knowledge economy by connecting learning with real-world application. It recognizes initiatives that span degree and non-degree pathways, integrate experiential and discovery-based learning, and align curricula with evolving industry needs.
Innovation
The Innovation category recognizes initiatives that advance research and development across the full research spectrum. It highlights efforts that move ideas into practice through technology transfer, cooperative extension, and collaborative R&D, demonstrating how institutions contribute to new products, processes, and services that support economic growth.
Place
The Place category recognizes how higher education institutions contribute to the vitality and character of their communities and regions. It emphasizes broader efforts that enhance quality of life, support community development, and strengthen the physical and economic environment beyond institutional boundaries.
Impact
The Impact category recognizes institutions that have delivered sustained impact on regional economic diversification and community advancement. It underscores long-term success through enduring partnerships, development, and consistent contributions that become embedded in the fabric of the community over time.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Awards of Excellence
Both UEDA and non-UEDA members may nominate a project, however only UEDA members may nominate multiple projects, while non-UEDA members are limited to one project per institution. Learn more about joining UEDA.
Projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes while addressing today’s distinct economic development challenges through originality, scalability, and practical application.
Please contact info@universityeda.org for more information or questions about the Awards of Excellence. Visit our Contact Us page.
Interested in revisiting Awards of Excellence History?
The Awards of Excellence program has been going strong for more than 14 years!
Click here to visit the archive of finalists throughout the years.