Student Life Leadership Awards
Learn. Lead. Serve. Award
The Learn. Lead. Serve. Award, formally the Extraordinary Campus Leadership and Service Award, recognizes a student who fully embodies the Volunteer spirit by demonstrating a commitment to intellectual growth, purposeful leadership, and selfless service. This prestigious honor is presented to students who excel, both in and out of the classroom, demonstrate integrity and influence as leaders among their peers, and exemplify the university’s commitment to the community through service to others in positive and meaningful ways.
Eligibility:
- Currently enrolled UT Knoxville student graduating this academic year
- Demonstrated contributions in learning, leadership, and service while as a student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Involvement in curricular and/or co-curricular activities connected to the Division of Student Life or UT-affiliated programs
- May be nominated by faculty, staff, peers, or advisors
Apply By March 9, 2026
Additional Awards
Rising Student Leader of the Year
The Rising Student of the Year award recognizes a student leader who has shown tremendous dedication, involvement, and has begun making noteworthy contributions to a student organization or the university community during their short time at the institution. Nominees should be respected by their peers and should demonstrate strong leadership potential.
Eligibility: Undergraduate student in their first or second year at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (can include a transfer student who is in their first or second year at UT).
Apply By March 9, 2026
Student Leader of the Year
The Student Leader of the Year award recognizes an undergraduate student for their service, commitment, and outstanding contributions to campus life at the University of Tennessee. Additionally, the award recognizes an undergraduate student who demonstrates both academic achievement and a commitment to leadership and engagement in the university community.
Eligibility: Must be an undergraduate member of a student organization at UT. The student organization is not required to be registered with the Center for Student Engagement.
Apply By March 9, 2026
Graduate Student Leader of the Year
The Graduate Student Leader of the Year award recognizes graduate and/or professional students for their service, commitment, and outstanding contributions to campus life at the University of Tennessee. Additionally, the award recognizes the graduate/professional student who has combined academic achievement and commitment combined with leadership and engagement in the university community.
Eligibility: Must be a graduate or professional member of a student organization. The student organization is not required to be registered with the Center for Student Engagement.
Apply By March 9, 2026
Student Employee of the Year
The Student Employee of the Year award honors an outstanding Division of Student Life student employee whose exceptional work ethic, professionalism, and dedication significantly enhance the operations and culture of their department or unit. This award recognizes a student who embodies reliability, initiative, and a commitment to excellence, consistently going above and beyond assigned duties to support the mission of their department or unit. Through their leadership, problem-solving abilities, customer service, and positive attitude, this student sets a standard of excellence for peers and contributes meaningfully to a welcoming and effective campus environment.
Eligibility: Students employed by an office, unit, or department within the Division of Student Life. Students employed for any length of time and at any capacity are eligible.
Each office may nominate up to three candidates total (graduate and undergraduate students).
Apply By March 9, 2026
New Student Organization of the Year
The New Student Organization of the Year award recognizes a student organization that has demonstrated promise in recruitment, retention, creativity, and teamwork. The organization has made a positive impact on the campus community in its first year and fulfilled its organization’s mission. This award honors an organization for developing and implementing improvements in the quality of campus life.
Eligibility: Must be a student organization formed during 2024-2025 academic year. The student organization is not required to be registered with the Center for Student Engagement.
Apply By March 9, 2026
Student Organization of the Year
The Student Organization of the Year award recognizes an undergraduate or graduate/professional student organization that has not only fulfilled its mission and involved the campus community in its purpose but has additionally gone above and beyond to develop and implement improvements in the quality of campus life. Student organizations of any size are encouraged to apply.
Apply By March 9, 2026