NCHC Sam Schuman Award for Excellence at a Four-Year Institution

“Teachers need to love their subject matter, and they need to love their students, and they need to love bringing them together.” -- Dr. Sam Schuman

NCHC is pleased to present the Sam Schuman Award for Excellence at a Four-Year Institution. Presented to an honors program director or faculty member at the NCHC Annual Conference, this award serves to recognize those who are making outstanding contributions to the honors community at four-year institutions.

Samuel Schuman, who passed away on November 11, 2014 left a legacy as an accomplished scholar, professor, and administrator. As the author of “Beginning in Honors” and an annual presenter at NCHC conferences and workshops, Sam exemplified the spirit of honors education and was passionate about sharing his love of honors with his students and peers. NCHC and the honors community owe Dr. Schuman their continuing gratitude for all that he contributed to the growth and development of honors.

Schuman Award winners will receive $500, along with an engraved plaque. The winner will be announced prior to NCHC's Annual Conference and awarded at the event.

Nomination Process

Please complete the application below to nominate an outstanding honors director or honors faculty member for the NCHC Sam Schuman Award. The application requires detail about contributions to teaching in honors and involvement in honors beyond the home institution. A total of three letters of support, from the applicant’s institution as well as faculty colleagues or students, are required.

Nominations open March 1 and close June 15 of each year.

Nominate a Candidate

Advance the Pursuit of Excellence at Four-Year Institutions

The impact Sam Schuman had upon honors education is profound and enduring, inspiring colleagues in scholarship, teaching, and community engagement. His dedication and passion for honors serve as a beacon for today's educators, encouraging them to build, innovate, and give back to the honors community.

By contributing to the Schuman Fund, you directly support the NCHC Sam Schuman Award for Excellence at a Four-Year Institution, which recognizes outstanding honors directors and faculty members for their invaluable contributions. Your generosity not only honors Dr. Schuman's legacy but also empowers a new generation of leaders in honors education.

Join us in celebrating excellence and honoring the legacy of Dr. Sam Schuman. Consider making a contribution to the Sam Schuman Award today!

Donate to the Sam Schuman Award

2025 Recipient

Dr. Darren Surman
The University of Alabama

Innovator, mentor, and architect of opportunity—Dr. Surman’s visionary leadership in honors education has redefined student belonging and academic inquiry. His work makes him a standout recipient of the Sam Schuman Award for Excellence.

Past Recipients

NCHC has a comprehensive roster of the outstanding individuals who've received this award available via the link below.

See the Past Award Winners

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