Clone of 2025 N4A Model Practices Award Nomination

2026 Model Practices Award Nomination

The Model Practices Award is given annually to a N4A-affiliated college or university that displays best practices in their programming for student-athletes. N4A will award two (2) Model Practices Awards - one in the area of academics and one in the area of student-athlete development. Institutions may submit one or more nominations in each category.

Past nominee(s) have demonstrated exceptional innovation and leadership in advancing student-athlete academic success and well-being. Initiatives align with the core values of the N4A Model Practices Award by implementing evidence-based strategies that improve retention, graduation rates, and holistic development. These practices not only reflect best-in-class standards but also align with the values and strategic priorities of their respective athletic departments and student-athlete support units. Through collaborative efforts and creative problem-solving, they have established sustainable models that serve as benchmarks for excellence within their respective departments and the broader collegiate athletics community.

In order to be considered, an institution must submit a completed nomination form and demonstrate the program's effectiveness through the submission of a 3,000 word (maximum) narrative that outlines the following components:

Goals & Objectives
Program Description
Program Evaluation
Program Outcomes
Potential for Adaptation
Challenges & Obstacles

All nomination materials must be received no later than Friday, March 13th, 2026.

Following the nomination deadline, the N4A Model Practices Subcommittee will review materials for all nominees and select each of the recipients based upon innovativeness and use of creativity; recognizable, effective and measurable results; and applicability/replicability of the best practice. The award winners will be notified by mid to late April.

If you have questions, please reach out to Kristin Williams @ khenke@memphis.edu.

*Please CLICK HERE to view a sample submission for the N4A Model Practice Award.

*Please view all preivous N4A Model Practice Award recipients HERE

Name:*

Title:*

Institution:*

E-mail Address:*

Phone Number:*

Area CodePhone Number

Division:*

Staff Size:*

1-3 full-time4-6 full-time6+ full-time

Student-Athlete Population:*

Number of sports offered by institution:*

Model Practices Category:*

AcademicsStudent-Athlete DevelopmentOther/Unsure

Are you planning on attending the national convention? *

If you are not planning on attending or are unsure, would someone from your staff be able to present on your behalf?*

If you are not selected as a winner, please share if you are interested in presenting your model practice in another format:*

N4A Committee SettingN4A Webinar SettingNot interested in presenting

Please attach your narrative here:*

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Please note, more than one file may be uploaded, however the max file size for each file is capped at 100MB.

Please attach your headshot here:*

Browse Files

Please note, more than one file may be uploaded, however the max file size for each file is capped at 100MB.