Student Awards

Award Applications Submitted online no later than Sunday, November 13th at midnight.

Student winners will be recognized at an in-person ceremony on Friday, December 9th. 

*Applications may be considered for other student awards depending on the criteria*


The College of Arts and Sciences annually recognizes graduating students who made significant contributions through their scholarly activities or service benefiting the university community through the College of Arts and Sciences.

Criteria for all awards:

  • Currently enrolled with an exemplary disciplinary record
  • Must have a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.5
  • All questions on the nomination form must be completed
  • A resume of the nominee must be provided

The Dean’s Graduate Award for Excellence – 1 Award

The Dean’s Graduate Award for Excellence is the highest honor for graduate students whose accomplishments over the course of his/her years at NMSU are truly exceptional. The Dean’s Graduate Award for Excellence winner will receive $500 and an engraved medal at the College of Arts and Sciences Student Awards Ceremony.

Criteria: Nominees will demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, integrity, selflessness, leadership, and service to the New Mexico State University community. He/she will demonstrate engagement with the NMSU, local, and/or global community, promoting awareness, understanding and excellence in the disciplines of the College.

Nominating/Selection Process
  • Department Head or Faculty members nominate students for the Dean’s Graduate Award for Excellence.
  • All nominations are submitted online by clicking here .
  • Before completing the nomination, please review the criteria and submission process for each award.
  • Each application letter must reflect the criteria identified in the award. Letters that intend to capture nominations for more than one award will not be accepted.
  • From the initial pool of nominations, the Associate Deans will select and forward four nominees to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for final selection.

The Dean’s Undergraduate Award for Excellence – 1 Award

The Dean’s Undergraduate Award for Excellence is the highest award for undergraduate students whose accomplishments over the course of his/her years at NMSU are truly exceptional. The Dean’s Undergraduate Award for Excellence winner will receive $500 and an engraved medal at the College of Arts and Sciences Student Awards Ceremony.

Criteria: Nominees will demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, integrity, selflessness, leadership, and service to the New Mexico State University community. He/she will demonstrate significantly to building community and promoting the understanding and acceptance of the disciplines of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Nominating/Selection Process
  1. Department Head or Faculty members nominate students for the Dean’s Undergraduate Award for Excellence.
  2. All nominations are submitted online by clicking here .
  3. Before completing the nomination, please review the criteria and submission process for each award.
  4. Each application letter must reflect the criteria identified in the award. Letters that intend to capture nominations for more than one award will not be accepted.
  5. From the initial pool of nominations, the associate deans will select and forward four nominees to the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for final selection.

Arts and Sciences Outstanding Graduate Awards – 3 Awards

The Arts and Sciences Outstanding Graduate Award is for graduate students who have proven themselves as exceptional and whose accomplishments over the course of his/her years at NMSU are outstanding. Outstanding Graduate award winners will receive an engraved plaque.

Criteria: This is a highly competitive award to recognize the nominee’s outstanding academic success as exemplified through publications, research, creative work, merit awards, or competitive selection for presentations at regional and national academic societies and conferences. Nominated students must be full-time Graduate students with a declared major in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Click here to submit a nomination.


Arts and Sciences Outstanding Undergraduate Awards – 3 Awards

The Arts and Sciences Outstanding Undergraduate Award is for undergraduate students who have proven themselves as exceptional and whose accomplishments over the course of his/her years at NMSU are outstanding. Outstanding undergraduate award winners will receive an engraved plaque.

Criteria: This is a highly competitive award to recognize the nominee’s outstanding academic success as exemplified through publications, research, creative work, merit awards, or competitive selection for presentations at regional and national academic societies and conferences. Nominated students must be full-time undergraduate students with a major in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Nominated students must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students with a declared major in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Nominating/Selection Process
  1. Department Head or faculty members nominate students for the Outstanding Graduate or Undergraduate Award.
  2. All nominations are submitted online by clicking here .
  3. Before completing the nomination, please review the criteria and submission process for each award.
  4. Each application letter must reflect the criteria identified in the award. Letters that intend to capture nominations for more than one award will not be accepted.
  5. From the initial pool of nominations, the dean and associate deans will select three graduate award winners and three undergraduate award winners.

Arts and Sciences Outstanding Student Service Award – 2 Awards

The Arts and Sciences Outstanding Student Service Award recognizes those students who excel in service to the betterment of the university community. In addition to recognizing outstanding academic accomplishments, this award recognizes efforts beyond the classroom.

Criteria: Nominations open to student enrolled in a degree program in Arts and Sciences. The Service Award requires demonstration of unique contributions and sustained service that will leave a lasting impact on the University community, whether through student government, public service, organizational leadership, or a combination of several categories. Outstanding Student Service Award winners will receive an engraved plaque.

Nominated students must be full-time graduate or undergraduate students with a declared major in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Nominating/Selection Process
  1. Department Head or faculty members nominate students for the Outstanding Service Award.
  2. All nominations are submitted online by clicking here .
  3. Before completing the nomination, please review the criteria and submission process for each award.
  4. Each application letter must reflect the criteria identified in the award. Letters that intend to capture nominations for more than one award will not be accepted.
  5. From the initial pool of nominations, the dean and associate deans will select two winners.