Emerging Leader Award

Award recipients are selected in January for the calendar year. Nominees must be within their first seven years in the profession and exhibit significant contributions in each of the areas below. Nominations and applications should be brief and should include the following information:

• Evidence of advancing the professional development of conference participants, especially early career professional and emerging leaders, with a focus on supporting minorities within the field of collegiate recreation.
• Evidence of advocacy for minorities to have access to advancement opportunities, significant service roles, and elevated leadership positions with collegiate recreation and the association.
• You may optionally include a resume or biography of the candidate.

The Emerging Leader Award is jointly administered by the Emerging Recreational Sports Leadership planning committee, the Emerging Recreational Sports Advisory Board, and past award recipients.

The criteria for nomination emphasize leadership, impact, integrity, and mentorship in advancing the mission of the Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders (ERSL) Conference and supporting minorities within collegiate recreation.

Nominees should demonstrate significant leadership through active participation in the ERSL Conference, including service in leadership roles and the implementation of innovative ideas that have directly influenced the development and growth of conference participants. Their contributions should highlight a commitment to advancing the professional development of others, particularly early career professionals and emerging leaders, with an intentional focus on supporting minorities in the field of collegiate recreation.

Candidates should also show a record of impact and advocacy, with measurable outcomes that have positively advanced the ERSL Conference and created progress for minorities within collegiate recreation. This includes efforts to advocate for equitable access to advancement opportunities, meaningful service roles, and elevated leadership positions within collegiate recreation and the association.

Nominees must demonstrate integrity through their passion for elevating minorities in the field while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.

Finally, candidates should have a clear record of mentorship and support, either through sustained relationships or the creation of spaces that provide guidance, resources, and professional development opportunities for students and/or professionals in collegiate recreation, particularly from minority communities.

Together, these qualities reflect the spirit of the award and ensure that recipients embody the values of leadership, advocacy, and support that strengthen the ERSL Conference and the broader collegiate recreation profession.