SL Drive-In Awards

2025 Student Leadership Drive-In Award Season

It is said that gratitude – genuine and authentic gratitude – has the ability to improve your health, help you overcome adversity, and build strong relationships. As an outward expression of meaningful gratitude, recognition is an important and necessary practice in our profession.

While there are many ways to recognize the amazing people in our state who do good work, public recognition via our Annual Student Leadership Drive-In is just one way to elevate your gratitude for the work and contribution of your peers. NCHO is honored to provide this space to lift up and shine a spotlight on anyone who should be recognized and celebrated for their contributions.

We ask that institutions consider at least submitting one nomination per award category, but institutions may submit more than one submission per award category. Each form submission counts as one nomination. It is best practice for the award nomination letter to include the institution’s letterhead.

Please read all requirements and follow instructions closely. To download a printed version of the awards, please click this link. Questions can be directed to: past-president@ncho.org

Award Nominations close: Friday, March 7, 2025 NOMINATION FORM


Distinguished Emerging Student Leader Award

The Distinguished Emerging Student Leader award recognizes an undergraduate student who has gone above and beyond in their role on campus, strives to be a leader amongst their team, and exemplifies continued growth and development.

  • Nominee Criteria
    • Undergraduate student
    • In their first year of a student leadership position
  • Nomination Letter
    • In 500 words or less, the nomination letter should include the following information:
      • Description of the student leadership position the nominee serves in
      • How they gone above and beyond in their role on campus
      • How they strive to be a leader amongst their team
      • How they exemplify continued growth and development

Distinguished Student Leader Award

The Distinguished Student Leader award recognizes an undergraduate student who demonstrates transformative and innovative leadership skills, a commitment to enhancing their team and campus community, and a dedication to mentoring future student leaders.

  • Nominee Criteria
    • Undergraduate student
    • Has served in a leadership position on campus for more than one academic year
  • Nomination Letter
    • In 500 words or less, the nomination letter should include the following information:
      • Description of their student leadership experience on campus
      • How they have demonstrated transformative and innovative leadership skills
      • How they have shown a commitment to enhancing their team and campus community
      • How they have shown a dedication to mentoring future student leaders

Inclusivity Champion Award

The Inclusivity Champion award recognizes an undergraduate student who demonstrates a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, fosters inclusivity for underrepresented groups, and drives positive change within their community.

  • Nominee Criteria
    • Undergraduate student
  • Nomination Letter
    • In 500 words or less, the nomination letter should include the following information:
      • Description of their involvement on campus
      • How they have demonstrated a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
      • How they have fostered inclusivity for underrepresented groups
      • How they have driven positive change within their community.

Advisor of the Year Award

The Advisor of the Year award recognizes outstanding service by an individual advisor who has gone above and beyond their job description while serving in an advising capacity to a residence hall leadership group.

  • Nominee Criteria
    • Advisor of a residence hall leadership group
  • Nomination Letter
    • In 500 words or less, the nomination letter should include the following information:
      • Description of how the advisor has gone above and beyond in their role
      • How the advisor has supported the goals and mission of the organization
      • How the advisor contributed to student leadership development

Dan Wooten Award

The Dan Wooten Award is awarded to the institution’s student group known as RHA or RSA, or the group recognized as the governing body for residence hall students, for quality contributions at the local (campus and community), state, and regional levels.

  • Nominee Materials
    • In 500 words or less, the nomination letter should include the following information:
      • Identifies and explains accomplishments, results, and special initiatives of the group
      • Address how the organization has worked to meet the needs of, and improve the quality of life for the residential students.
    • A letter of endorsement from the Senior Housing Officer or Director of Residence Life and/or Housing

Program of the Year Award

The Program of the Year award recognizes a residence hall program that enhanced the residence hall community by utilizing a different and creative approach; explored and fostered innovative and efficient ways to reach and involve diverse student audiences; and showcased a well-planned program.

  • Nominee Criteria
    • The program must have occurred between February 2024 and February 2025
    • The program must have predominantly been organized by undergraduate students
    • The program must have been intended for residence hall students
  • Nomination Letter
    • In 500 words or less, the nomination letter should include the following information:
      • Description on how the program enhanced the residence hall community by utilizing a different and creative approach
      • Description on how the program explored and fostered innovative and efficient ways to reach and involve diverse student audiences
      • Description on how the program showcased a well-planned program