The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Black Masque chapter excelled in participation, advising, and chapter visibility through sustained, year-round engagement and highly visible campus traditions. Their visibility is especially strong, beginning with Big Red Welcome Week appearances, continued through Homecoming dominance, Professor of the Month presentations, Tapping Day, Ivy Day, and a strategic social media presence that keeps the chapter consistently recognizable across campus. Participation is equally strong, with high attendance at meetings and events, broad involvement in service and campus programs, and a deeply connected membership culture that blends formal responsibilities with meaningful social bonding.

The chapter’s advising structure is also a major strength, anchored by experienced advisors who provide both institutional knowledge and relational support, helping guide leadership and financial stability. Together, these elements create a chapter identity that is highly visible, deeply engaged, and well-supported, with strong alumni investment and long-term financial planning ensuring continued success for future classes.

Honorable mentions to Endicott College (Triumph chapter) and Lyon College (Order of the Tartan chapter).

Rowan has demonstrated exceptional dedication to Mortar Board through both chapter leadership and national involvement, stepping into a role on the Student Advisory Board mid-year and quickly becoming an engaged and reliable contributor. Within her chapter, Rowan strengthened financial sustainability, expanded outreach efforts that generated more than 100 membership applications, and implemented a comprehensive officer transition process that created a stronger foundation for future leaders. Through new community partnerships, expanded scholarship-focused programming, and a thoughtful commitment to service, Rowan has enhanced the member experience while leaving a lasting impact on both her chapter and the Society.

Nick has led one of Mortar Board’s strongest chapters, successfully guiding an organization of more than 80 members while expanding its impact through new community partnerships and a structured officer transition process that will benefit future leaders. Beyond the chapter level, he served as the Region 5 representative on the Student Advisory Board, where he played a key role in planning and leading the Mortar Board Week Student Town Hall. Through his strong communication, initiative, and consistent follow-through, Nick has become a trusted leader within his region and one of the Society’s most engaged student leaders.

Since reactivation in 2024, the chapter has steadily grown and strengthened its presence on campus through intentional rebuilding efforts and consistent engagement. They benefit from a dedicated advisor and maintain strong communication with the National Office, with both students and advisors actively participating in national programming. On campus, the chapter took important steps to reactivate as a recognized student organization, increase visibility, and secure inclusion in the commencement program to further elevate their presence. They also continue to build community through fundraisers and service projects that engage members in meaningful ways. This year, the chapter demonstrated strong leadership, including a president who also served as the national Student Advisory Board representative, reflecting their commitment to both local impact and national engagement.

Dr. Rode first received the Excellence in Advising award in 2020. She has been a dedicated Mortar Board advisor for more than a decade, providing consistent leadership and support to her chapter. She also served in national roles and as Mortar Board National President. While the chapter has faced challenges in recent years, she has helped spark renewed energy and momentum, leading to a stronger and more engaged membership experience. Throughout the year, Dr. Rode has been a collaborative partner with the National Office, strengthening the NIU chapter and rebuilding the member experience.

Dr. Couch has provided steady and dedicated leadership, serving as a trusted resource for both students and fellow advisors. He has cultivated strong relationships across campus, helping ensure the chapter’s continued success in membership recruitment, programming, and overall operations. Dr. Couch has been a strong partner with the national organization as a 2024 national conference presenter and a member of the 2025 chapter reactivation team. He was initiated into Mortar Board as a collegiate member at the College of William & Mary (1996).

Dr. Fox reactivated the chapter in 2024 after years of inactivity. Despite his demanding campus role, Dr. Fox remained actively engaged with the chapter: attending events, mentoring student leaders, and making himself readily available when needed. With his steady guidance, encouragement, and support, the chapter doubled its membership, increased its visibility on campus, and continued building momentum as a newly reinstated organization. He was initiated into Mortar Board this year as an honorary member.

Dr. Kolasa has served as a dedicated chapter advisor for the past three years, and his leadership reached a new level this year during a period of significant challenge and growth. Under his guidance, chapter membership more than doubled, reflecting his commitment to student engagement and organizational success. Dr. Kolasa is highly visible on campus through his involvement in multiple student organizations, and he consistently provides exceptional support to students while maintaining strong communication with the National Office. His positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to step up under pressure make him an outstanding advisor and advocate for student leaders.

Alison stepped into a challenging situation and immediately began the work of rebuilding a struggling chapter. Through consistent membership selection efforts each fall and spring, she has helped restore stability and create a strong foundation for future success. Alison actively engages with the broader Society by regularly participating in national programs and has expanded the chapter’s visibility by developing partnerships with other honor societies and on-campus organizations.

Dr. Poe has provided exceptional leadership to the chapter throughout her three-years in the role. This year, in her last year as advisor, she successfully recruited and onboarded an additional advisor to ensure continued support and stability. Under Dr. Poe’s leadership, chapter membership more than doubled, and the chapter’s visibility and presence on campus reached new heights.

Elaine is concluding her service to the chapter as she prepares for retirement. Elaine leaves behind a legacy of steady leadership and dedication to Mortar Board. Over the years, she has provided consistent support to students while helping maintain a chapter known for its strong membership, quality programming, and overall stability. Her proactive communication with the National Office and attention to detail have ensured the chapter’s success with minimal need for intervention or support. Elaine also thoughtfully recruited and prepared her successor, helping ensure a smooth transition for the chapter’s future. We are deeply grateful for her years of service and the lasting impact she has made on both her students and the Society.

Chapman University

Endicott College

Lenoir Rhyne University

Longwood University

Lyon College

Ohio Northern University

Otterbein University

Purdue University

Rhodes College

San Diego State University

Texas Tech University

The Ohio State University

The University of Findlay

University of Mississippi

University of Nebraska at Kearney

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

University of North Dakota

University of San Diego

University of South Alabama

Beloit College

Bucknell University

Butler University

Case Western Reserve University

Coe College

College of Charleston

College of William and Mary

Emory University

Grove City College

Hanover College

Mississippi College

Monmouth College

North Dakota State University

Southern Nazarene University

The University of Alabama

The University of New Mexico

The University of Vermont

Tulane University

University of Hawaii at Mānoa

University of Kansas

University of Louisville

University of Mary Washington

University of Maryland

University of Missouri

University of Montana

University of Puget Sound

University of Richmond

University of the Pacific

University of Toledo

University of Tulsa

University of Wyoming

Wake Forest University

Washburn University

Wichita State University

Xavier University

Project Excellence in Scholarship is awarded to the University of Montana and the University of San Diego for their Last Lecture Series.

Project Excellence in Leadership is awarded to Purdue University and the University of North Dakota for their campus-wide Leadership Conferences.

Project Excellence in Service to Alma Mater is awarded to Longwood University for its Oktoberfest campus-wide event; and the University of South Alabama for its partnership with the Honors College to collect items for the on-campus food bank.

Project Excellence in Community Service is awarded to the University of Mississippi for various book and supply drives to support the local community; the University of North Dakota for its annual Turkey Basket Drive; and The University of Toledo for its annual event, SongFest.

Project Excellence in Faculty, Staff, and Student Recognition is awarded to the College of Charleston for its professor coffee hour; The Ohio State University for its Faculty and Staff Recognition Reception; and the University of South Alabama for its signature “Top Prof” event.

Project Excellence in Fundraising is awarded to Mississippi College for its “Dunk Your Professor” event; Southern Nazarene University for its Valentine-themed Kiss-o-Gram; and the University of Arizona for leveraging several small, creative fundraisers throughout the year to meet its fundraising goals.

Project Excellence in Mortar Board Week recipients are San Diego State University for its student art contest and to Southern Nazarene University for its Kisses and Crush fundraiser and tabling event.

Project Excellence in Reading is Leading is awarded to Ohio Northern University for The Little Free Library project in Hardin County; and the University of Mississippi for read-alouds with current Kindergarten students at Lafayette Elementary School.

Project Excellence in Mortar Board Week of Service, our newest national initiative, is awarded to Beloit College for its campus clean-up; Hood College for its Safe Harvest event; and The Ohio State University for its week-long schedule of programming, including a partnership with a dog shelter.

The Outstanding Achievement in Recruitment and Selection awardees are Mississippi College, which increased applications by 260 percent and selected a class more than twice the size of the previous year’s; North Dakota State University, which successfully conducted an early fall selection followed by an additional selection this spring; and Troy University, whose expanded outreach efforts resulted in a 178 percent increase in candidates.

The Outstanding Achievement in Campus Visibility goes to Emory University, which leveraged its reactivated chapter status to expand its social media presence, programming, and campus partnerships; Otterbein University, which increased visibility through a strong social media strategy, new campus programs, and inclusion in the commencement program; and the University of Mississippi, which enhanced awareness through monthly tabling events and strengthened campus partnerships.

The Outstanding Achievement in Officer and Advisor Transition awardees are Chapman University, which partnered with its Region Coordinator to strengthen onboarding and develop a comprehensive transition plan for future leaders; Texas Tech University, which formalized a three-step officer transition process; and The University of Nebraska at Kearney, which rebuilt chapter records and templates after files were lost during a university-wide data migration.

The Outstanding Achievement in Chapter Reactivation goes to Bowling Green State University, which more than tripled its new-member class and elected a full executive board; Emory University, which regained campus recognition and launched a member newsletter to strengthen engagement; and Southern Nazarene University, which increased chapter visibility, programming, and membership through successful fall and spring selections.

The Outstanding Achievement in Chapter Communication goes to the University of Montana, for its detailed and consistent communication with chapter members and strong Instagram presence, and the University of San Diego, for effectively leveraging social media, email communications, and campus announcements to keep members informed and engaged.

The Outstanding Achievement in Digital Communication and Social Media awardees are Lyon College, for expanding its social media presence through creative graphics and member spotlights; the University of California, Los Angeles, for maintaining a strong and consistent Instagram presence; and The University of Nebraska–Lincoln, for its outstanding social media strategy and significant growth in followers.

The Outstanding Achievement in Alumni Engagement goes to Purdue University and the University of Arizona. Both chapters have leveraged their centennial celebrations to engage alumni in meaningful, lasting ways through events and communications.

The Outstanding Achievement in New Member Tapping is awarded to Benedictine College for creating a highly visible tapping experience through in-class tapping and the recognition of three prominent campus figures as honorary members, and The University of Alabama, for its longstanding and celebrated presence at the campus tradition known as Tapping on the Mound.

for its Little Free Library project with Hardin County, which expanded equitable access to books and educational resources in a rural, often underserved community. The project’s impact extended beyond literacy promotion and encouraged member engagement, strengthened neighborhood connections, and created opportunities for students to build community and share knowledge with one another.

for making inclusiveness a priority by intentionally expanding recruitment efforts to include juniors and seniors outside the traditional undergraduate pathway, such as working adults and those who have returned to college. By broadening recruitment efforts, the chapter was able to recognize outstanding students whose leadership, scholarship, and service might otherwise go unnoticed in traditional campus organizations.

for infusing inclusive excellence across recruitment, programming, service, and membership experience. This is best demonstrated in the 2026-2027 incoming class of 28 new members, which reflects meaningful diversity across colleges and disciplines, including students from engineering, education, biological sciences, computer science, communications, and more, as well as students who are first-generation college students, McNair Scholars, and members of different organizations across our diverse campus.