Named in honor of the trailblazing Dr. Hugh G. Wales, the visionary who pioneered the Collegiate Chapter program and served as the inaugural AMA Collegiate Chapter advisor at the University of Illinois-Champaign, this award pays tribute to the unwavering commitment and exceptional dedication of faculty advisors.
Nominations: Open September 15, 2025 and will Close November 12, 2025 at 11:59pm CST (Other Time Zones: 12:59am EST / 10:59pm MST / 9:59pm PST)
How do I nominate my Faculty Advisor?
AMA Collegiate Chapters are invited to nominate one faculty advisor for consideration. The nomination consists of creating a PDF nomination report (two pages max) and submitting it online. The available award is:
- Advisor of the Year: One advisor will be selected as the top advisor to a Collegiate Chapter in 2025-2026.
- The recipients of the “Faculty Advisor of the Year Award” from the prior five academic years will not be eligible for nomination.
What are Eligibility Requirements?
- All AMA Collegiate Chapters faculty advisors are eligible for nomination (except those currently serving as representatives on the AMA Collegiate Chapters Council or past winners from the previous five years).
- Before a faculty advisor is nominated, they must have two or more consecutive years of experience advising an AMA Collegiate Chapter.
- The faculty advisor must be a current AMA member and must be listed/identified as a Faculty Advisor on your Chapter’s Affiliated Contacts.
- Nomination Letter must not exceed 2 (two) pages and must be submitted using the file naming format: University Name_Hugh G Wales Letter_FY26.PDF
What are the Nomination Report Requirements?
- Leadership and Guidance (up to 5 points allowed):
- Describe the advisor’s leadership style and how it has positively influenced the chapter.
- Highlight instances where the advisor has helped students develop professionally and academically.
- Engagement and Communication (up to 5 points allowed):
- Describe the effectiveness of communication channels between the advisor and chapter members.
- Commitment to AMA Values (up to 5 points allowed):
- Explain how the advisor embodies the values and mission of the American Marketing Association.
- Provide evidence of the advisor’s dedication to promoting marketing education and excellence.
- Impact on Chapter Success (up to 5 points allowed):
- Share specific examples of how the advisor’s contributions have enhanced the AMA chapter experience for members.
- Overall Impact and Legacy (up to 5 points allowed):
- Reflect on the advisor’s legacy within the chapter and their lasting influence on student experiences.
How is the Award Winner Selected?
The evaluation is conducted by a special awards committee consisting of AMA student members. Student judges are not allowed to evaluate nominations for their own faculty advisors. Announcements of the winner will be made at the awards banquet during the AMA International Collegiate Conference. Although desirable, it is not necessary for the faculty advisor to be at the conference to receive the award.
Check out the past winners for the Hugh G. Wales Award.
Judging Rubric: Criteria and Points
Judging criteria topics and points will be given based on the rankings outlined below:
- 1 Point Given: Limited description on the topic
- 2 Points Given: Basic description on the topic
- 3 Points Given: Clear description on the topic with moderate evidence
- 4 Points Given: Detailed description on the topic and substantial evidence
- 5 Points Given: Comprehensive description of the topic and significant evidence
Questions?
Contact AMA Customer Support at: membersupport@ama.org.
Call All AMA Volunteers!
Want to make an impact and support the next generation of marketers?
Here’s your chance – AMA is looking for volunteers to help judge our Collegiate Opportunities.
Learn more and sign up today, visit the AMA Collegiate Volunteer Page.