CLEVELAND – The National Association of Academic and Student Athlete Development Professionals (N4A) is now accepting applications for the 2027 Model Practices and Research Awards. A total of 4 awards will be presented, with each recipient receiving $500 and an opportunity to present at the 2027 N4A Convention in June. 

The Model Practices Award is presented annually to N4A-affiliated colleges and universities that demonstrate effective practices in academic support and student-athlete development programming. N4A will present 2 Model Practices Awards, 1 in academics and 1 in student-athlete development. Institutions may submit 1 or more nominations in each category.
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

CLICK HERE to access the application for the Model Practices Award.

The deadline for nominations is Sunday, January 3, 2027.

Dr. Gerald S. Gurney Research Award
Throughout its history, N4A has aimed to share ideas and support one another in the service of collegiate-level student-athletes. An integral part of this collaboration is research, which promotes the dissemination of new ideas and best practices in the field to assist student-athletes across the country. As new issues and challenges arise, the need for updated research becomes more apparent and necessary.

The Research Committee is pleased to announce the Dr. Gerald S. Gurney Research Award. A total of 2 awards will recognize research in student-athlete academic support and student-athlete development.
The Research Committee invites practitioners and scholars to submit unpublished research papers addressing student-athlete academic support or student-athlete development. Collaborative submissions are encouraged. Each recipient will receive a $500 honorarium.

CLICK HERE to access more information on the application process for the Research Award.

The deadline for nominations is Sunday, January 3, 2027.

Questions can be directed to N4A Research Committee Chair, Shelby McKay, at smckay@theacc.org.

For additional information on all these awards, please CLICK HERE.