NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development is seeking nominations for the 2026 Hall of Distinguished Educators, Outstanding Young Professionals and the Friend to Education Award.
The Hall of Distinguished Educators is the highest honor bestowed by the School of Education. Nominees must have earned an education degree from Northwestern State University, must have a minimum of 30 years of service in the field of education and must have made significant contributions to the field of education and/or the larger community at a local, state, national or international level. Nominees may be living or deceased.
More than 100 educators have been honored with the Hall of Distinguished Educators award since 2000.
Outstanding Young Professionals in Education must have earned an education degree from NSU and have a minimum of 10 years of service in the field of education. Nominees must have made significant contributions to the field of education and/or the larger community. Nominees must be 45 years old or younger.
The Friend to Education award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of education, the Northwestern State University School of Education, the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development and/or the university as a whole. Nominees for this award are not eligible for consideration for the Hall of Distinguished Educators. Individuals may be nominated regardless of whether they are living or deceased.
Applications are due by August 5, 2026, and are available now at 2026 Nominations.
For more information, contact Dr. April Jessup Giddens at giddensa@nsula.edu.
Individuals selected will be honored with a reception and induction program during Homecoming festivities Oct. 23-24.