Awards Committee Chair, Kimberly Dodson, DodsonK@UHCL.edu

Awards Committee Deputy Chair, Gorazd Mesko, University of Maribor

All awards are due by September 1, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

ACJS BRUCE SMITH, SR. AWARD

The intent of the Bruce Smith, Sr. Award is to recognize outstanding contributions to criminal justice as an academic or professional endeavor.  

Award criteria: To be eligible for an award, the nominee must: 

1. Have made outstanding contributions to criminal justice as an academic and/or professional endeavor.
2. Be actively involved in criminal justice and other endeavors which have made substantial contributions to the emerging body of knowledge in criminal justice.
3. ACJS membership is not required.

Nomination requirements: ACJS sends out an annual request for nominations for the Bruce Smith, Sr. Award. Nominations must be provided electronically to the subcommittee chair by the established due date. Only those individuals who meet the eligibility criteria will be evaluated based on the selection criteria.

To be considered:

1. Prior recipients of the Bruce Smith, Sr. Award are not eligible for nomination.
2. Nominees do not need to be current members of ACJS.
3. The nominator must be a current member of ACJS.
4. Self-nominations are not accepted.
5. The nomination should include the official nomination letter. The letter should provide specific information about how the nominee fits the award criteria.
6. The nominators must include a nominee’s CV with their nomination letter. 

Selection criteria: The subcommittee for this award shall examine the nomination letters and the CVs against the eligibility criteria and nomination requirements, as listed above. Only nominations that meet the eligibility criteria and nomination requirements will be considered for the award.

The award recipient is expected to attend the ACJS Annual Meeting in the year the award is bestowed and deliver an address or presentation to the attendees of the ACJS Annual Meeting on their research. If the recipient of the award delivers an address or presentation at the ACJS Annual Meeting, that address or presentation may be published in the Justice Evaluation Journal.

PDF of Award Description

Deadline: September 1, 2026

Nominations sent to: Richard  Bennett, bennett@american.edu
Copy nomination to: Kimberly D. Dodson, dodsonk@uhcl.edu

ACADEMY FOUNDERS' AWARD

The intent of the Academy Founders’ Award is to recognize outstanding service to the Academy and the discipline of criminal justice. 

Eligibility criteria:
To be eligible for an award, the nominee must:

1. Be an active ACJS member in good standing for at least five (5) past consecutive years prior to being nominated.
2. Through service activities, has made a substantial contribution to the Academy and to the discipline of criminal justice.

Nomination requirements: ACJS sends out an annual request for nominations for the Academy Founders’ Award. Nominations must be provided electronically to the subcommittee chair by the established due date. Only those individuals who meet the eligibility criteria will be evaluated based on the selection criteria.

To be considered:

1. Prior recipients of the Academy Founders’ Award are not eligible for nomination.
2. Nominees must be active members of ACJS in good standing for at least five (5) past consecutive years prior to being nominated.
3. The nominator must be a current member of ACJS.
4. Self-nominations are not accepted.
5. The nomination should include the official nomination letter. The letter should provide specific information about how the nominee fits the award criteria.
6. The nominators must include a nominee’s CV with their nomination letter.

Selection criteria: The subcommittee for this award shall examine the nomination letters and the CVs against the eligibility criteria and nomination requirements, as listed above. Only nominations that meet the eligibility criteria and nomination requirements will be considered for the award.

PDF of Award Description

Deadline: September 1, 2026

Nominations sent to: Heather Pfeifer, hpfeifer@ubalt.edu
Copy nomination to: Kimberly D. Dodson, dodsonk@uhcl.edu

ACADEMY FELLOW AWARD

The intent of the Academy Fellow Award is to recognize distinguished contributions to criminal justice education and scholarship.

Eligibility criteria:
To be eligible for an award, the nominee must:

1. Be an active ACJS member in good standing for at least five (5) past consecutive years prior to being nominated.
2. Have distinguished scholarly achievements in the faculty member's discipline. These achievements could include, but are not limited to, books, articles, reviews, technical reports, grants or papers to scholarly associations.
3. Have distinguished professional contributions to the Academy. These contributions could include, but are not limited to, active participation or leadership in the Academy through workshops, conferences, panels, or offices.
4. Have other recognitions demonstrating distinguished contribution to justice education and scholarship, including but not limiting to awards, fellowships, visiting lecture/professorships, and office in state, regional, national, or international societies.
5. Have a minimum of five (5) years teaching experience in courses on crime and/or criminal justice.

Nomination requirements: ACJS sends out an annual request for nominations for the Academy Fellow Award. Nominations must be provided electronically to the subcommittee chair by the established due date. Only those individuals who meet the eligibility criteria will be evaluated based on the selection criteria.

To be considered:

1. Prior recipients of the Academy Fellow Award are not eligible for nomination.
2. Nominees must be active members of ACJS in good standing for at least five (5) past consecutive years prior to being nominated.
3. The nominator must be a current member of ACJS.
4. Self-nominations are not accepted.
5. The nomination should include the official nomination letter. The letter should provide specific information about how the nominee fits the award criteria.
6. The nominators must include a nominee’s CV with their nomination letter.

Selection criteria: The subcommittee for this award shall examine the nomination letters and the CVs against the eligibility criteria and nomination requirements, as listed above. Only nominations that meet the eligibility criteria and nomination requirements will be considered for the award.

PDF of Award Description

Deadline: September 1, 2026

Nominations sent to: Brandon Applegate, applegate@sc.edu
Copy nomination to: Kimberly D. Dodson, dodsonk@uhcl.edu

ACADEMY NEW SCHOLAR AWARD

The intent of the Academy New Scholar award is to recognize outstanding scholarly contributions to the study of crime and/or criminal justice by someone who has received their most recent doctoral degree within the past six (6) years.

Eligibility criteria:
To be eligible for an award, the nominee must:

1. Be an active ACJS member in good standing.
2. Be a faculty member.
3. Have received their most recent doctoral degree within the past six (6) years.
4. Have outstanding scholarly contributions to the study of crime and/or criminal justice. These contributions could include, but are not limited to, books, articles, book chapters, reviews, technical reports, grants or papers to scholarly associations.

Nomination requirements: ACJS sends out an annual request for nominations for the Academy New Scholar Award. Nominations must be provided electronically to the subcommittee chair by the established due date. Please batch nominations from colleagues at the same institution into one nomination package. Only those individuals who meet the eligibility criteria will be evaluated based on the selection criteria.

To be considered:

1. Prior recipients of the Academy New Scholar Award are not eligible for nomination.
2. The nominator must be a current member of ACJS.
3. Self-nominations are not accepted.
4. The nomination should include the official nomination letter. The letter should provide specific information about how the nominee fits the award criteria.
5. The nominator must include a nominee’s CV with their nomination letter.
6. The nominee may submit up to four (4) works (articles, books, book chapters, etc.) for review by the subcommittee. Works must be provided electronically.

Selection criteria: The subcommittee for this award shall examine the nomination letters and the CVs against the eligibility criteria and nomination requirements, as listed above. Only nominations that meet the eligibility criteria and nomination requirements will be considered for the award.

PDF of Award Description

Deadline: September 1, 2026

Nominations sent to: Beverly Reece-Churchwell, breece11@kennesaw.edu
Copy nomination to: Kimberly D. Dodson, dodsonk@uhcl.edu

OUTSTANDING BOOK AWARD

The intent of the Outstanding Book Award is to recognize the best book published in the area of criminal justice within the last three (3) calendar years.

Eligibility criteria:

To be eligible for an award, the book must:

1. Make an extraordinary contribution to the study of crime and criminal justice.
2. Be published within three (3) calendar years prior to the meeting at which the award will be given. That is, books published in 1991, 1992, and 1993 are eligible for the 1994 award.
3. Not be an edited volume.
4. Not be a textbook. Exceptions can be made for textbooks that offer a new theoretical framework or otherwise make a significant advance in scholarship. The Chair of the Awards Committee will decide if a textbook meets this requirement.
5. Have at least one (co)author who is a current ACJS member in good standing at the time the book is nominated.

Nomination requirements: ACJS sends out an annual request for nominations for the Outstanding Book Award. Nominations must be provided electronically to the subcommittee chair by the established due date. Only the nominations that meet the eligibility criteria will be evaluated based on the selection criteria.

To be considered:

1. Books that have previously won the ACJS Outstanding Book Award are not eligible for nomination.
2. At least one of the book co-authors must be a current member of ACJS in good standing.
3. The nominators must be current members of ACJS in good standing.
4. Nominations for the Outstanding Book Award are restricted to members of the Academy. Individuals who are involved in the production of a book, or who have a financial interest in it, may not nominate that book for this award.
5. Self-nominations from authors are allowed.
6. The nomination should include the official nomination letter. The letter should provide specific information about how the nominated book fits the award criteria.
7. To be considered for the book award, the publisher, nominator, or author must provide electronic complementary copies of the books to all members of the Book Award Subcommittee. Deadline for submission is August 31.
8. If the number of nominated books exceeds six (6), the Awards Committee Chair will have the discretion of selecting the six (6) most promising books for consideration by the Book Award Subcommittee.

Selection criteria: The subcommittee for this award shall examine the nomination letters and the books against the eligibility criteria and nomination requirements, as listed above. Only nominations that meet the eligibility criteria and nomination requirements will be considered for the award.

PDF of Award Description

Deadline:  September 1, 2026

Nominations sent to: John CeCarlo, jdecarlo@newhaven.edu
Copy nomination to: Kimberly D. Dodson, dodsonk@uhcl.edu

WILLIAM L. SIMON/ROUTLEDGE OUTSTANDING PAPER AWARD

The intent of the William L. Simon/Routledge Outstanding Paper Award is to recognize the outstanding paper presented at the Annual Meeting held the previous year. 

Eligibility criteria: To be eligible for an award, the paper must have been presented at the Annual Meeting held the previous year.

Nomination requirements: ACJS sends out an annual request for applications for the William L. Simon/Routledge Outstanding Paper Award.

To be considered:

1. Nominations must include a carefully edited, electronic copy of the paper.
2. The paper should be provided electronically to the subcommittee chair by the established due date.
3. The nomination should include the official nomination letter. The letter should provide specific information about how the nominated paper fits the award and selection criteria.
4. Self-nominations from authors are allowed.

Selection criteria: Only nominations that meet the eligibility criteria and nomination requirements will be considered for the award. The papers will be evaluated based on the three criteria:

1. Conceptual and methodological rigor in the development of the thesis and its subsequent empirical or logical documentation.
2. Theoretical or pragmatic relevance of the thesis and its importance to the developing body of knowledge for criminal justice.
3. Formal organization of material, flow of ideas, and clarity of narrative.

The author of the award-receiving paper will receive a $500 stipend. In case of multiple authors, the award will be split equally across all co-authors.

PDF of Award Description

Deadline: September 1, 2026

Nominations sent to: Elizabeth N. Hartsell, ehartsell@shsu.edu
Copy nomination to: Kimberly D. Dodson, dodsonk@uhcl.edu

MICHAEL C. BRASWELL/ROUTLEDGE OUTSTANDING DISSERTATION AWARD

The intent of the Michael C. Braswell/Routledge Outstanding Dissertation Award is to recognize the outstanding criminal justice-related dissertation. 

Eligibility criteria: To be eligible for an award, the dissertation must have been completed within two (2) years of nomination.

Nomination requirements: ACJS sends out an annual request for applications for the Michael C. Braswell/Routledge Outstanding Dissertation Award.

To be considered:

1. Nominations must include a carefully edited, electronic copy of the dissertation.
2. The dissertation should be provided electronically to the subcommittee chair by the established due date.
3. The nomination should include the official nomination letter. The letter should provide specific information about how the nominated dissertation fits the award and selection criteria.
4. Self-nominations are not allowed.
5. The dissertation author needs to be an ACJS member, but the nominators do not need to be ACJS members.

Selection criteria: Only nominations that meet the eligibility criteria and nomination requirements will be considered for the award. The dissertations will be evaluated based on the four criteria:

1. Relevancy of research problem.
2. Quality of theoretical orientation.
3. Rigor of empirical and/or logical documentation.
4. Quality of writing.

The author of the dissertation receiving the Michael C. Braswell/Routledge Outstanding Dissertation Award will receive a $300 stipend.  The recipient of the Michael C. Braswell/Routledge Outstanding Dissertation Award will be eligible for consideration to be published as a Routledge Monograph.

PDF of Award Description

Deadline: September 1, 2026

Nominations sent to: Pauline Brennan, Pauline_Brennan@uml.edu
Copy nomination to: Kimberly D. Dodson, dodsonk@uhcl.edu

SAGE JUNIOR FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TEACHING AWARDS

The intent of the Sage Junior Faculty Professional Development Teaching Awards is to provide deserving junior faculty with travel reimbursement scholarships to participate in the Annual Meeting and to attend a Teaching Workshop that ACJS will organize at each yearly meeting. Up to four award recipients will be selected. The awards may not be awarded every year.

Eligibility criteria:

To be eligible for an award, the applicant must:

1. Be a current ACJS member at the time of application.
2. Have received most recent graduate degree within the past 5 years.
3. Have taught full time for less than 5 years. There is no limit on part-time teaching experience.
4. Be currently teaching in a criminal justice/criminology program at a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
5. Be an untenured faculty member or doctoral level teaching assistant.
6. Have submitted a complete electronic application by the due date.

Selection criteria: Only those individuals who meet the eligibility criteria will be evaluated based on the selection criteria.

The Subcommittee for this Award will examine the full applications of all eligible applicants against the selection criteria.  The applicants will be placed in one of 3 categories based on the selection criteria:

1. Category 1 = yes, should be funded; these applications will be separated into the four priorities specified below; then the applications will be ranked within category, if necessary.
2. Category 2 = could be funded.
3. Category 3 = no, do not fund; These applications will receive no further consideration for funding.

If there are more applicants in category 1 than can be funded with the monies available, the following priorities will be used for determining which applicants to fund.

1. First priority will be given to new full-time faculty (junior faculty at four year and community colleges).
2. Second priority will be given to applicants who have recently received the Ph.D. and have accepted a position.
3. Third priority will be given to applicants who are ABD and have accepted a teaching position.
4. Fourth priority will be given to applicants who are ABD and are currently TAs.
5. The above priorities are to be used within category 2 if sufficient funding is available to provide awards to some applicants in the “could be funded” category.

See PDF of award description for additional information on Category 1, 2, 3 criteria.

PDF of Award Description

Deadline: September 1, 2026

Nominations sent to: Joseph DeLeeuw, deleeuw2@gmail.com
Copy nomination to: Kimberly D. Dodson, dodsonk@uhcl.edu

ACJS MINORITY MENTORSHIP GRANT AWARD

The intent of the ACJS Minority Mentorship Grant Award is to create opportunities for mentorship of minority doctoral students or junior faculty by senior criminal justice professors at the same or another institution within the ACJS organization.  The goal is to facilitate a mentoring relationship between doctoral students or junior faculty and senior faculty mentors to facilitate the former’s professional development for a productive criminal justice academic career.

1. Applications should be submitted by the applicant mentor with the agreement of a designated mentee who has agreed in writing to be mentored for one year.
2. The ACJS Minorities Mentorship Grant Award of $1,000 to be provided to the mentor awardee can be used for expenses of the mentor involved in working with the mentee, such as telephone, postage, travel, honorarium, or other training expenses needed to develop a focused program of mentorship.
3. One mentorship pair will be selected each year.
4. ACJS will recognize the Awardee and Mentee at its annual ceremony during the ACJS Annual Meeting. The Awardee will receive an award check and a plaque. The Mentee will receive a plaque.

Eligibility criteria:

To be eligible for an award, the mentor applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. A member of ACJS at the time of application.
2. A senior faculty member (full professor).
3. Demonstrated excellence in teaching.
4. Established record of scholarship productivity in criminal justice.
5. Currently teaching in a CRJ/CRIM at a regionally accredited institution of higher education [may be at the same or different institution than the mentee].
6. Commitment to provide a one-year program of active mentorship to the mentee.
7. Submitted a complete electronic application by the due date.

To be eligible for an award, the mentee must meet the following criteria:

1. A member of ACJS at the time of application.
2. A member of an under-represented racial/ethnic minority group in the criminal justice/criminology discipline.
3. Doctoral student or junior faculty member.
4. Written commitment to a one-year program of active mentorship.

Self-nominations by applicants are allowed.

Application process: ACJS sends out an annual request for applications for the ACJS Minorities Mentorship Grant Award.  Applications must be provided electronically to the Subcommittee Chair by the established due date.

To be eligible for the award, an applicant (potential mentor) must submit:

1. Coversheet with the following information for both the applicant and the proposed mentee:

- Name.
- Statement regarding ACJS membership.
- Current academic rank/position.
- Race/ethnicity.
- Institution.
- Street and e-mail address.
- Telephone number.

2. Three to five (3-5) page, single-spaced narrative addressing:

- Applicant’s background and academic experience.
- Description of work and research experience.
- Short-term objectives with measurable outcomes (for example abstract or manuscript submissions, proposal development) for the period of mentorship award (one-year).
- Description of how the mentorship award will meet short-term and long-term objectives.
- Compatibility of the applicant’s previous work with the mentee’s interests and professional goals.

3. Mentoring work plan which should include

- Description of the activities to be undertaken with the mentee.
- Timeline.
- Brief (one (1)-page) budget and justification for the mentoring experience.

4. Letter of support from mentee stating commitment to the mentorship.

5. Letter of support from mentee's doctoral advisor (if relevant).

Selection criteria: Only those individuals who meet all eligibility criteria will be evaluated based on the selection criteria.

The Subcommittee for this Award will examine the full applications of all eligible applicants against the selection criteria and rank order the applications for the purpose of deliberating to make a final recommendation.

Applications will be ranked on the following characteristics:

1. The applicant has clearly stated the significance of the proposed grant activity to the professional development of the proposed mentee.
2. The applicant has clearly stated a sound set of objectives and measurable outcomes or plan of activities for the mentorship.
3. The applicant has clearly shown the compatibility of the applicant’s previous work with the mentee’s interest and professional goals.
4. The overall merit and quality of the proposed mentoring activities.

PDF of Award Description

Deadline: September 1, 2026

Nominations sent to: Samantha M. Gavin, sgavin@sbu.edu
Copy nomination to: Kimberly D. Dodson, dodsonk@uhcl.edu

ACJS OUTSTANDING MENTOR AWARD

The intent of the Outstanding Mentor Award is to honor outstanding mentors who, during the course of their career, have made a significant contribution to the professional development of graduate students and junior faculty members in criminal justice. The mentors will be recognized for their excellence in the role of student/faculty mentor as evidenced by their willingness and commitment to foster the professional growth and achievement of students and faculty. 

The ACJS Outstanding Mentor Awards will be limited to up to three (3) recipients; however, strong consideration will be given to those nominees who have letters submitted on their behalf which demonstrate and articulate a level of commitment, dedication, and support which go above and beyond the normal expectation of a faculty member in their job role.

Eligibility criteria:

To be eligible for an award, the outstanding mentor shall be a current member of ACJS and shall have:

1. Served as an outstanding role model in a professional capacity in teaching, research, and service;
2. Demonstrated long-term and ongoing commitment to the career goals of the mentee(s);
3. Contributed to the professional development of the mentee(s);
4. Encouraged graduate student involvement in professional opportunities, supporting graduate students and junior faculty membership in professional organizations, and nurturing graduate students and junior faculty contributions to professional organizations; and
5. Provided exemplary academic and professional service to graduate student and junior faculty members.

Nomination requirements: ACJS sends out an annual request for nominations for the ACJS Outstanding Mentor Awards. Applications must be provided electronically to the sub-committee chair by the established due date.

To be considered:

1. Nominees must be current members of ACJS. (All current ACJS members are listed in the ACJS online membership directory.)  Nominators do not have to be current members of ACJS.
2. Letters from Nominators who may have been mentees of the nominee will be strongly considered.
3. Nominees must include a CV with their nomination letter.
4. Nominators may also be colleagues who have personal and specific knowledge of the nominee’s outstanding mentoring efforts and accomplishments.
5. Self-nominations shall not be accepted.
6. Nominations must be based on either having been mentored by the nominee or personal observation of mentoring provided to others by the nominee.
7. Nominations shall be provided by a formal letter summarizing the mentor's influence on students and colleagues. The letter should provide specific information about the deserving nature of the nominee's mentoring, which provides evidence of exceptional efforts, rather than focusing on the nominee's other professional accomplishments.
8. The nomination letter shall include the nominee’s full contact information.
9. Prior recipients of the ACJS Outstanding Mentor Awards are ineligible for future awards.
10. Please batch nominations for the nominee from colleagues at the same institution into one nomination packet, if possible.

Selection criteria: The Subcommittee for this Award shall examine the nomination letters against the eligibility criteria and nomination requirements, as listed above.

PDF of Award Description

Deadline: September 1, 2026

Nominations sent to: John J. Brent, John.Brent@eku.edu
Copy nomination to: Kimberly D. Dodson, dodsonk@uhcl.edu

ACADEMY LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION AWARD (PRACTITIONER)

The intent of the Academy Leadership and Innovation Award is to recognize a Practitioner whose work has had a direct, positive, and significant effect on the criminal justice system, with a commitment to improving the criminal justice system. Contributions may include program development, policy implementation, education, training, direct services, research, and legislative action.

Practitioners are individuals employed in a professional capacity in the criminal justice system, related and ancillary programs, services, and agencies such as victim services, juvenile justice, case management and treatment, drug/alcohol and mental health services, and community coalitions, as well as research, government, or public service.

Eligibility criteria: To be eligible for this award, the candidate shall have:

1. Served as an outstanding leader and innovator in a professional capacity in research, education, government or public service.
2. Demonstrated commitment to improving the criminal justice system.
3. Contributed to criminal justice or related programs, relevant policies, or community development.
4. Provided exemplary professional service to his or her organization.

Nomination requirements:

1. Prior recipients of the ACJS Leadership and Innovation Award are not eligible.
2. Nominees need not be current members of ACJS.
3. Self-nominations are not accepted.
4. Priority should be given to practitioners working in the region where the annual meeting is held.
5. The nominator could be either a regional organization affiliated with ACJS or an ACJS member in good standing.
6. The nomination should include the official nomination letter, CV of the nominee, and the nominee’s full contact information. The nomination letter should provide specific information about how the nominee fits the award criteria.

Selection criteria:

1. Recognition for outstanding professional service and contributions to criminal justice or related system.
2. Demonstration of leadership in the administration of criminal justice or related system in a manner which reflects the highest standards of integrity and performance.
3. Acknowledgment for distinguished accomplishments and exceptional professionalism.

ACJS will recognize the Awardee at its annual ceremony during the ACJS Annual Meeting. The Awardee will receive a plaque, a $600 monetary award, and one year membership in ACJS. The Award recipient is expected to attend the ACJS Annual Meeting to receive the Award.

PDF of Award Description

Deadline: September 1, 2026

Nominations sent to: Francis Boateng, fboateng@olemiss.edu
Copy nomination to: Kimberly Dodson, DodsonK@UHCL.edu

KEN PEAK INNOVATIONS IN TEACHING AWARD

The intent of the Ken Peak Innovations in Teaching Award is to recognize and honor criminal justice and criminology faculty members for innovative teaching methods.  The goal is to identify, acknowledge, and disseminate innovation in relation to learning and teaching; therefore, the focus of the nomination should be clearly evidenced by specific practices that are replicable and effective.

Eligibility criteria: The nominee must be:

1. A full-time faculty appointment (i.e., lecturer, assistant professor, associate professor, professor) in a criminal justice department or program.
2. A member in good standing of ACJS.
3. Teaching courses in criminology or criminal justice at a regionally accredited, post-secondary institution.

Nomination requirements:

1. Previous recipients of the Ken Peak Innovations in Teaching Award are not eligible.
2. Self-nominations are allowed.

Submission of Materials: To assist the award committee, please provide the following information:

1. Project Description: In 100 words or less, briefly describe the innovative teaching method being placed in nomination.

2. Significance: In 400 words or less, describe how the instructional method uniquely increases student learning and engagement while departing from other methods. Include any creative features and originality of this approach.

3. Innovation: In 500 words or less, describe how this instructional approach was actually applied in the classroom.  (This method may include, but is not limited to, the use of new instructional strategies, the use of traditional strategies in creative ways, the development and creation of innovative teaching materials, unique pedagogical applications of technologies, novel approaches to instruction, and innovative ways to engage students in the learning process).

4. Outcomes: In 500 words or less, please describe how the method was measured and determined to be effective and efficacious in enhancing student learning (student comments or course evaluations would be helpful but are not required).

5. Replication and Adaptation: In 500 words or less, describe the potential for others to adopt, adapt, or replicate the innovation, including a discussion of how the innovation might be used in other settings, in which type(s) of course(s), and the resources required. Preference will be given to innovations that have the potential for replication beyond a single academic course.

The award recipient is expected to attend the ACJS Annual Meeting and participate in the Sage/ACJS Professional Development Teaching Workshop and present their innovative teaching method at the Workshop. 

Sage Editor’s Note: This award is made possible by a generous donation from renowned author, academic, and practitioner, Ken Peak, coauthor of Introduction to Criminal Justice: Practice and Process with Sage Publishing. Ken Peak is an emeritus professor and former chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, University of Nevada, Reno, where he was named “Teacher of the Year” by the university’s Honor Society. Following four years as a municipal police officer in Kansas, he subsequently held positions as a nine-county criminal justice planner for southeast Kansas; director of a four-state technical assistance institute for the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (based at Washburn University in Topeka); director of university police at Pittsburg State University (Kansas); acting director of public safety, University of Nevada, Reno; and assistant professor of criminal justice at Wichita State University. As of 2018 he had authored or co-authored 36 textbooks, two historical books (on Kansas temperance and bootlegging), and more than 60 journal articles and invited book chapters. He is past chair of the Police Section of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences and past president of the Western Association of Criminal Justice.

Award amount: $3,000

PDF of Award Description

Deadline: September 1, 2026

Nominations sent to: Aimee X. Delaney, adelaney@worcester.edu
Copy nomination to: Kimberly D. Dodson, dodsonk@uhcl.edu

ACADEMY CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCY OR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION AWARD 

The intent of the ACJS Criminal Justice or Non-Profit Organization Leadership and Innovation Award is to recognize an agency or non-profit organization whose work has had a direct, positive, and significant effect on the criminal justice system, with a commitment to improving the criminal justice system.  

Criminal justice agencies and non-profit organizations include agencies such as corrections, police, victim services, juvenile justice, case management and treatment, drug/alcohol and mental health services, and community coalitions, as well as research, government, or public service, along with related and ancillary programs, and services.

Eligibility criteria: To be eligible for this award, the nominee shall have:

1. Been an outstanding agency or non-profit organization and innovator in or related to the criminal justice system.
2. Demonstrated commitment to improving the criminal justice system.
3. Contributed to criminal justice or related programs, relevant policies, or community development. These contributions may include community outreach, program development, policy implementation, education, training, direct services, research, and legislative action.
4. Provided exemplary service to its community.

Nomination requirements:

1. Prior recipients of the ACJS Criminal Justice Agency Or Non-Profit Organization Leadership Award are not eligible.
2. Nominees need not be current institutional ACJS members.
3. Self-nominations are not accepted.
4. Priority should be given to the criminal justice agencies and non-profit organizations working in the region where the annual meeting is held.
5. The nominator could be either a regional organization affiliated with ACJS or an ACJS member in good standing.
6. The nomination should include the official nomination letter, nominee’s full contact information, and rationale for the nomination. A nomination is invalid if no letter of nomination or rationale for the nominee is received by the Committee by the deadline set for such supporting materials.

Selection criteria: 

1. Recognition for outstanding professional service and contributions to criminal justice or related system.
2. Demonstration of leadership in the administration of criminal justice or related system in a manner which reflects the highest standards of integrity and performance.
3. Acknowledgment for distinguished accomplishments and exceptional professionalism.

ACJS will recognize the Awardee at its annual ceremony during the ACJS Annual Meeting. The recipient of the Award is expected to send an agency or organizational representative to the ACJS Annual Meeting and will receive a $600 travel stipend.

PDF of Award Description

Deadline:  September 1, 2026

Nominations sent to: Francis Boateng, fboateng@olemiss.edu
Copy nomination to: Kimberly Dodson, DodsonK@UHCL.edu

COGNELLA FUTURE INNOVATORS IN CJ EDUCATION AWARD

The intent of the Cognella Future Innovators in CJ Education Award is to honor recently tenured faculty in Criminology/Criminal Justice who demonstrate exceptional promise as future leaders in the discipline. The recipient will receive a $1,500 cash award, $250 in Cognella book credits, a commemorative plaque, complimentary one-year ACJS membership, and recognition on the Cognella and ACJS websites, as well as in the Annual Meeting program.

This award supports educators who show a strong commitment to teaching, scholarship, and mentoring — individuals who model innovation, inspire students, and shape the future of the field.

Nomination requirements:

Nominations shall include:

• A personal essay (500 words or fewer) describing how the nominee meets the award’s selection criteria.
• One letter of reference each from:
  - A colleague,
  - A former or current student,
  - An administrator or supervisor.
  (All letters must directly support the nominee’s qualifications and contributions.)
• Documentation of tenure conferred within the last 1–3 years.
• Evidence of having taught at least three CJ/Criminology courses in the 12 months preceding the nomination deadline.
• Confirmation of current ACJS membership.

PDF of Award Description

Deadline: September 1, 2026

Nominations sent to: Matthew C. Matusiak, mmatusiak@ualr.edu
Copy nomination to: Kimberly D. Dodson, dodsonk@uhcl.edu

DOROTHY BRACEY/JANICE JOSEPH MINORITY AND WOMEN NEW SCHOLAR AWARD

The intent of the Dorothy Bracey/Janice Joseph Minority and Women New Scholar Award is to recognize outstanding academic contributions by new minority and female scholars in honor of the first female and racial minority ACJS Presidents.

The award will be $1,000 and 1-year free ACJS membership.

Self-nominations are accepted.

Eligibility criteria: To be eligible for this award, the applicant must:

1. Be a woman or a member of a group that has experienced historical discrimination.
2. Be a current member of ACJS.
3. Have obtained a Ph.D. within the past seven (7) years.
4. Demonstrated a strong record as a new scholar in the areas of research, teaching, and service.
5. Have not previously received this award.
6. Be willing and able to attend the Annual Meeting.
7. The applicant must have submitted a proposal for a paper or poster presentation for the Annual Meeting to the ACJS website by the due date.

Application process:

1. Submit a letter of application describing eligibility for the award.
2. Submit an abbreviated curriculum vitae that highlights achievements in the areas of research, teaching, and service (6 pages maximum).
3. A proposal that outlines a paper or poster presentation as described in #7 above that the applicant will present at the ACJS Annual Meeting for which the Mini-Grant will be given. This proposal should be a maximum of 10 pages, double-spaced, typed. It should discuss (a) the nature of the research topic, (b) why the research is important, and where relevant, (c) the methods used, (d) the findings of the research, and (e) the theoretical, methodological, and/or policy implications of the results.
4. Submit two reference letters supporting the applicant’s nomination. At least one of the references should be obtained from an academic in the discipline.

Deadline: September 1, 2026

PDF of Award Description

Nominations sent to Affirmative Action Committee Chair: Lisa Cater, lcarter@flsouthern.edu
Copy nomination to: Kimberly D. Dodson, dodsonk@uhcl.edu

ACJS NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE MONTH AWARDS

The intent of the National Criminal Justice Month Awards are to recognize academic departments, schools, colleges, and/or universities for National Criminal Justice Month celebrations that focus on education and/or community engagement.

There are three separate awards that could be given in the same year: the Education Award, the Community Engagement Award, and the Program of the Year Award. For more information on National Criminal Justice Month please visit: https://www.acjs.org/national-cj-month/.

Education Award
The intent of this award is to recognize a National Criminal Justice Month event for the educational impact on students and the community. Applications will be assessed on the relevancy and quality of the event, as well as the impact of the event (e.g., number of people in attendance). One department could selected as the recipient of this award.

Community Engagement Award
The intent of this award is to recognize a National Criminal Justice Month event that meaningfully engages the community on criminal justice issues and topics. Successful events will typically include student engagement with a local criminal justice agency. One department could be selected as the recipient of this award.

Program of the Year
The intent of this award is to recognize an academic department that successfully showcases a range of National Criminal Justice Month events. Departments that actively engage in several varied National Criminal Justice Month events will be considered. One department could be selected as the recipient of this award.

Award criteria for each award:

1. The person submitting the nomination must be a current member of ACJS.
2. The event(s) must have taken place during the month of March 2026 (National Criminal Justice Month).

Nomination requirements: A nomination of the same program could be made for each of the three awards, but the same department is eligible to be the recipient of only one of these three awards per year.

Application Process:

1. Submit a letter of application describing the National Criminal Justice Month event(s). The narrative of the letter should address the background of the academic department and provide a full description of the event in the context of the award category.
2. Submit any supplementary material to support the application. Examples include pictures, video links, survey results, and letters of support from local criminal justice agencies.

Efforts will be made to highlight the recipients of the awards on the ACJS website as well as in ACJS today.

Deadline: September 1, 2026

PDF of Award Description

Nominations sent to Committee Chair: Vesna Markovic, vmarkovic@lewisu.edu
Copy nomination to: Kimberly Dodson, DodsonK@UHCL.edu

ACJS STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

The intent of the ACJS Student Scholarship Award is to support meritorious scholarship by students (as evidenced by the paper the student will present) and to enable them to present their research at the Annual Meeting. Scholarship awards are to be based on merit, not need.

Eligibility criteria: A nominee:

1. Must be a currently enrolled student in a graduate program at the time of nomination and at the time of the Annual Meeting at which the scholarly paper will be presented.
2. Must be willing and able to attend the Annual Meeting and present the paper submitted to the Program Chair.
3. May have but does not need to have the recommendation of a faculty member to be considered.
4. Does not have to be a member of the ACJS at the time of nomination or award of a scholarship.

Nomination requirements:

1. Self-nominations are allowed.
2. The paper must be authored or co-authored by one or more students and cannot be co-authored with a faculty member.
3. While a nominee may submit a single paper for multiple awards, a single paper may only be the basis for one ACJS scholarship award each year.

Nominations should include:

1. A letter of nomination including a statement that the paper is authored or co-authored by students. (Papers cannot be co-authored with a faculty member.)
2. One electronic copy of the paper.
3. Proof of the student's current enrollment.
4. Evidence that the student's paper has been accepted for presentation at the Annual Meeting.
5. Documentary evidence that the student will be attending the Annual Meeting and present the paper cited above (photocopy of airline tickets, and/or hotel reservations).
6. Other letters of support for the nomination may be submitted.

Two students (one at the Master’s level and one at the Ph.D. level) will receive funding in the amount of $600 each to apply toward travel to the ACJS Annual Meeting. If no nominations of qualified candidates are received in one of the levels, two awards may be granted to the students in the other level (for example, two awards may be granted at the Master’s level students if no qualified nominations are received at the Ph.D. level).

PDF of Award Description

Deadline: December 1, 2026

Nominations sent to: Shavonne Arthurs, sarthurs@setonhill.edu 
Copy nomination to: Kimberly D. Dodson, dodsonk@uhcl.edu

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP MINI-GRANT TRAVEL AWARD FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR AND WOMEN 

The intent of the Award is to provide deserving master’s and doctoral level racial/ethnic minority and/or female students with travel scholarships to participate in the Annual Meeting and to present a research paper. The purpose is to promote the involvement of all minority groups in the Academy. Two students (one at the Master’s level and another at the Ph.D. level) will receive funding in the amount of $600 each to apply towards travel to the annual 2027 ACJS conference. Scholarship awards are to be based on merit, not need.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for the award, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a woman or a member of a racial/ethnic group that has experienced historical discrimination.
2. Be enrolled in an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral program of criminal justice/criminology program during some part of the academic year for the Annual Meeting at which the presentation will be made.
3. The applicant must have submitted a proposal for a paper presentation for the Annual Meeting on the ACJS website by the due
4. The applicant must be willing and able to attend the Annual Meeting and present the paper described in the website submission.
5. The paper can be self-submitted by the applicant student or submitted on the student’s behalf by a faculty
6. The paper submitted by the applicant may be co-authored with a faculty member; however, the student must be the first author and presenter.

Application Process:

1. Submit a letter of application.
2. Submit one hard copy and one electronic copy of either:
   A. A completed manuscript examining a criminal justice/criminological issue. Papers may be theoretical or describe a qualitative or quantitative research project. Completed papers should be no more than 30 pages in length. OR
   B. A proposal that outlines a paper as described in 2.A. above that the applicant will present at the ACJS annual meeting for which the mini grant will be given. This proposal should be a maximum of 10 pages, double-spaced, typed. It should discuss: (a) the nature of the research topic, (b) why the research is important, and where relevant, (c) the methods used, (d) the findings of the research, and (e) the theoretical, methodological, and/or policy implications of the results.

3. Proof of the student’s current enrollment and program of study.
4. Evidence that the student’s abstract has been accepted for presentation at the annual meeting.
5. Documentary evidence that the student will be attending the annual meeting and present the paper cited above (photocopy of airline tickets, and/or hotel reservations).

Papers will be reviewed by a panel of ACJS Affirmative Action Committee members for organization, clarity of presentation, and quality of the theoretical/methodological work. While a nominee may submit a single paper for multiple awards, a single paper may only be the basis for one ACJS scholarship award each year.

Notification of mini-grant awards will be given in December 2026. Recipients also receive complimentary two-year ACJS Student membership. Recipients are required to submit receipts to receive reimbursement for their expenses.

PDF of Award Description

Deadline: December 1, 2026

Applications sent to:  Lisa Carter, lcater@flsouthern.edu
Copy nomination to: Kimberly D. Dodson, dodsonk@uhcl.edu