Circle of Excellence is a recognition program established by the NODA Excellence Fund in 2018. The program has been modified since its development to recognize individuals who have served as professionals & scholars in the fields of Orientation, Transition, and Retention and have dedicated years of service to the Association.
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Shawn Smee Headshot

Shawn Smee
Murray State University

Quincy Spencer Headshot

Quincy Spencer
University of Arkansas

Fundraising Goal: $7,500

Help Shawn and Quincy reach their goal by donating here.

Dr. Cynthia L. Hernandez
Texas State University

Dr. Jamie Mantooth
University of Tennessee at Martin

Mary Jo Fabich
Illinois State University

Andrene Kaiwi
California Polytechnic State University

Bonita Jacobs
University of North Georgia

Charlie Andrews
Florida International University

Chris Timmerman
WSIA

Jeanine Ward-Roof
Ferris State University

Victor Wilson
The University of Georgia

Circle of Excellence nominees should possess the following qualities:

Each year, Association members will have the opportunity to nominate a colleague to serve as our Circle of Excellence nominee. Nominees will be selected by the NODA Fundraising Committee. The Circle of Excellence nominees will be announced at the NODA Annual Conference & will serve as ambassadors for the Circle of Excellence fundraising efforts for the Association for one year. Individuals will set their own fundraising amount with an attainable goal to strive to raise as much money as possible. The amount raised and individual will be recognized at the Annual Conference to close out their term.

  • Has or currently is engaging in NODA leadership on a regional and/or international basis.
  • Have demonstrated significant contributions to the Association during their time as a member.
  • Willing to commit to supporting the Association as an ambassador for the Circle of Excellence for one year.
  • Have been or currently is a leader in the field of OTR

*Decisions will be based upon contributions to NODA, years of active service, and contributions to the fields of OTR.

Timeline for Nomination Forms:

At this time, the 2023 Circle of Excellence nominee(s) have been selected and were revealed at the 2023 Annual Conference in Minneapolis.

General Timeline:

  • Nomination forms will open in the spring.
  • The Fundraising Committee will review nomination forms over the summer.
  • The Circle of Excellence Nominee will be revealed at the NODA Annual Conference.
  • The nominee will serve as ambassadors for the Circle of Excellence from Annual Conference – Annual Conference.
  • The Circle of Excellence Award will be presented at the Annual Conference concluding their fundraising term.