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Division II Award of Excellence

As part of Division II’s emphasis on community engagement, the division annually honors institutions and conferences with the Award of Excellence for community engagement efforts.

Each active Division II school and conference is eligible to submit its best community engagement activity and/or event that promotes student-athletes giving back and serving as leaders within their communities. A few initiatives schools may consider include student-athlete leadership development, educational programming, military appreciation, game environment, Make-A-Wish® or Team IMPACT®.

The Award of Excellence began as the Division II Community Engagement Award in 2008, and it was accompanied by a Division II Game Environment Award in 2010. At the 2014 Convention, Division II combined the two awards to allow the division to give larger prizes and prestige to those member conferences or institutions that participated.

Lindenwood University won the inaugural Award of Excellence for its efforts to raise money and awareness for the cause of Sterling Thomas, a Lindenwood football player who suffered a serious spinal cord injury in October 2012.

Roberts Wesleyan wins 2025 Division II Award of Excellence

Roberts Wesleyan was named the 2025 Division II Award of Excellence winner for its community engagement efforts through its Redhawks Reach Out initiative, particularly its support for the Pirate Toy Fund. (Photo courtesy of Roberts Wesleyan)
Roberts Wesleyan was named the 2025 Division II Award of Excellence winner for its community engagement efforts through its Redhawks Reach Out initiative, particularly its support for the Pirate Toy Fund. (Photo courtesy of Roberts Wesleyan)

Nominations

Nominations will be accepted beginning Wednesday, September 3, 2025 and ending Saturday, November 15, 2025

Digital submissions telling the story of the activity or event should combine these items into one PDF:

  • An overview of the activity or event. Identify the theme for the activity or event and note the means in which the theme was used. Within the overview, explain how the activity or event has made an impact on the campus or in the community.
  • Still photos (not more than 10) or video links highlighting the activity or event. Videos should not be longer than three minutes in length.
  • Any fliers or promotional materials related to the activity or event (including any newspaper or online articles).

The 23 conference winners, winning independent institution and at-large honorees will be announced in January and recognized at the NCAA Convention.

Division II Award of Excellence Recipients

Meet the 2025 recipients and finalists:

  • Roberts Wesleyan (winner)
  • Augusta University (runner-up)
  • Mars Hill University (third-place)

Visit the NCAA Award Honoree Database for a complete list of past award winners

Award Honoree Database

Prizes

Monetary prizes are given. All prize money is to be used toward future community engagement initiatives.

  • Each conference winner, independent winner and at-large honoree: $750
  • Third-place national finalist: $1,500 (initial prize plus additional $750)
  • National runner-up: $1,750 (initial prize plus additional $1,000)
  • The 2025 Division II Award of Excellence winner: $3,000 (initial prize plus additional $2,250)