2026 New Horizons Awards

The Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) is the highest teaching honor in Virginia’s Community Colleges (VCCS), recognizing excellence in teaching. The award is given annually to one full-time teaching faculty member who distinctly represents the teaching excellence found at a VCCS college.

The award provides the recipient with a VCCS stole and $5,000.

To be eligible, candidates must be full-time teaching faculty with a minimum of five years of full-time VCCS service, with at least 75% of their workload dedicated to teaching during that time. Only one nomination per campus will be accepted. 

Recognizing Superior Accomplishment

CATE recognizes faculty who have demonstrated superior accomplishment across the full spectrum of academic scholarship : Teaching, Discovery, Knowledge Integration, and Service

Full Award Details: 2025-26 CATE Award - Information Sheet

Award Rubric: CATE Award Rubric

Application Form: CATE Award Online Application form 

The Chancellor's Award for Student Services Excellence (CASSE) is a prestigious annual award recognizing an exceptional full-time student services professional in the VCCS who consistently provides outstanding support and service to students.

The award provides the recipient with a plaque and $5,000.

Recognizing Excellence

The CASSE honors a professional who demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing the overall student experience across four key areas: Excellence in Student Support, Innovation and Creativity, Collaboration and Teamwork, and Leadership and Professionalism. 

Apply and Learn More 

Full Program Details: 2025-26 CASSE Award - Information Sheet

Award Rubric: CASSE Award Rubric

Application Form: CASSE Award Online Application form 

The George B. Vaughan Leadership Award for Outstanding Adjunct Faculty is the premier award recognizing the dedication and impact of adjunct faculty across the Virginia Community College System (VCCS).

This award celebrates the contributions of the approximately 4,600 adjunct faculty members who are making a difference in the lives of countless students throughout Virginia.

Honoring a Legacy of Leadership

Established in 2014 by the friends and family of Dr. George B. Vaughan, this award is made possible by the George B. Vaughan Leadership Endowment Fund through the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE). It serves as a lasting tribute to Dr. Vaughan's 40+ years of distinguished service as a national leader in community college education and provides inspiration for current VCCS faculty.

The Award

The Vaughan Award recognizes up to five outstanding adjunct faculty members annually—one recipient from each VCCS region. Each award recipient receives an honorarium, which is paid before the end of the spring semester.

Full Award Details: George B. Vaughan Award for Outstanding Adjunct Faculty - Information Sheet

Rubric: George B. Vaughan Leadership Award for Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Rubric

Application Form: George B. Vaughan Award Online Application form 

The Excellence in Education (EIE) Awards acknowledge and celebrate exceptional college work in support of the VCCS mission. This annual program provides an opportunity to showcase, celebrate, and share ideas and innovations across the VCCS that contribute to improving student outcomes and reaching strategic goals.

The Awards

The EIE Awards celebrate the tremendous work being done to serve students and communities.

• Award Categories: The 2026 New Horizons EIE Awards will utilize nominations from the following conference categories:

  • Teaching Reimagined Award

  • Tech in Action Award

  • Connect & Thrive Award

  • Future Ready Workforce Award

Prize: The winner project/program in each category will be awarded a certificate and $500.

Note: All cash prize funds are transmitted from the System Office to the winner's college business office for disbursement, not directly to the awardees.

• Eligibility: Any VCCS employee may be nominated for an award

Information Sheet: Excellence in Education Information Sheet

Category Descriptions & Rubrics: Excellence in Education (EIE) - Category Descriptions & Rubrics

Application Form: Excellence in Education Online Application Form  

The Susan S. Wood Professorship for Teaching Excellence honors outstanding faculty within the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). This prestigious award recognizes a faculty member who exemplifies the highest standards of faculty excellence and dedication to their students.

Established in November 2013 by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE), the professorship celebrates Dr. Susan S. Wood’s 40 years of remarkable service to Virginia’s Community Colleges.

Recognizing Excellence

This award is presented to a VCCS faculty member who demonstrates:

• Dedication to students

• Innovative Approaches to Teaching

• Evidence of Professional Growth & Development

The selected Susan S. Wood Professor receives an honorarium, which is paid at the end of the spring semester.

Full Award Details: Susan S. Wood Professorship for Teaching Excellence- Information Sheet

Rubric: Susan S. Wood Professorship for Teaching Excellence Rubric

Application Form: Susan S. Wood Award Online Application form