Dan Crockett (1949 – 2018) dedicated 40 years of his life to enhancing higher education access in West Virginia, leaving a lasting legacy in the state’s educational community. His unwavering commitment to students was exemplary. The Dan Crockett Professional Leadership Award recipient will embody the same lifelong dedication to student success at all levels.

Dan Crockett Professional Leadership Award Criteria

Lifelong Commitment to Student Success:
Please provide a detailed account of the nominee's professional career, highlighting at least 20 years (preferably more) of dedication to promoting student success across the K-12 and/or higher education landscape, particularly within West Virginia. They should include specific examples of the nominee's sustained efforts and how they have personally championed initiatives to support students over time.

Leadership in Creating or Expanding Programs:
Please document specific programs, initiatives, or policies directed, created, or expanded by the nominee to increase student success in West Virginia. This should include measurable outcomes, such as an increase in student enrollment, graduation rates, scholarship opportunities, or job placement success resulting from their leadership.

Impact on the West Virginia Educational Community:
Please provide evidence of the nominee's contributions and long-lasting impact on the educational landscape of West Virginia. This could include testimonials from colleagues, students, or community members, data showing improved access or success rates for underrepresented populations, or recognition from state or national organizations for their efforts.

Creating a college-going mindset should start early. Elementary schools deserving of this award integrate college and career exploration into their programs, fostering a culture of postsecondary awareness among students.

Exemplary School Action and Impact Award – Elementary Level Criteria

Nominators must provide the following:

1. A detailed description of the specific programs, lessons, services, and events that integrate college and career exploration into the school culture. This should include evidence of how these initiatives are age-appropriate and accessible to elementary students, as well as highlighting innovative approaches that set the school apart, such as partnerships with local businesses, colleges, or career professionals.

   An explanation of how the school actively involves families in postsecondary awareness activities. This should include examples of family-oriented events, such as career fairs, workshops, or parent-teacher collaboration on career exploration projects, as well as feedback or testimonials from families showing their participation and the impact of these efforts.

   3. Demonstrated evidence of the tangible impact of the school’s efforts on fostering a college-going culture among students. This can include data or anecdotes showing increased student knowledge about careers, measurable student participation in related events, or shifts in attitudes toward college and career readiness. Please include any recognition, awards, or evaluations the school has received that support its commitment to postsecondary exploration.

As students enter adolescence and begin to solidify their academic strengths and interests, it is essential to establish the expectation of pursuing postsecondary pathways. The middle school honored with this award will guide students by exposing them to the diverse opportunities available after high school. Furthermore, the school's teachers and staff are committed to providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary for academic success.

Exemplary School Action and Impact Award – Middle School Level Criteria

Nominators must provide the following:

1. A comprehensive description of how the school exposes students to diverse postsecondary opportunities. This should include details about programs, activities, or events that introduce students to various career paths, higher education options, and vocational opportunities, demonstrating how these efforts align with the developmental needs of middle school students.An explanation of the strategies used by teachers and staff to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for academic success. This may include specific examples of curriculum design, skill-building workshops, mentoring programs, or collaborations with external organizations that support student readiness for high school and beyond.

   3. Evidence of the school’s commitment to fostering a postsecondary mindset among students. This should include measurable outcomes, such as increased student participation in career exploration activities, documented improvement in academic performance, or student testimonials. Please include any recognition, awards, or evaluations received by the school that reflect its dedication to preparing students for life after high school.

High school is a pivotal stage in students’ academic journeys. The school that earns this award provides exemplary college and career readiness programming for students and their families. The faculty and staff demonstrate their dedication to postsecondary access for all students through their lessons, course offerings, involvement in College for West Virginia’s statewide college access initiatives, and unwavering commitment to each student’s success. Additionally, the high school strives to increase its college-going rate with each graduating class.

Exemplary School Action and Impact Award – High School Level Criteria

Nominators must provide the following:

1. A detailed overview of the school’s college and career readiness programming, including lessons, course offerings, and extracurricular activities designed to prepare students for postsecondary success. This should include specific examples of programs tailored to students’ diverse needs, such as AP or dual enrollment courses, career and technical education (CTE) pathways, and school counseling services that help students explore and plan for their futures.

2. An explanation of how the faculty and staff actively promote success for all students. This should include examples of their participation in College for West Virginia’s statewide college access initiatives, integration of college and career topics into classroom instruction, and targeted support for underrepresented or underserved student populations.

3. Evidence of the school’s success in increasing its college-going rate and fostering a career-ready culture. This can include data on graduation rates, college enrollment rates, FAFSA completion rates, participation in dual enrollment courses, SAT scores, attendance rates, testimonials from students and families, success stories from recent graduates, and any recognition or awards the school has received for its commitment to college and career readiness.

This award is given to a higher education institution, organization/nonprofit, or individual that provides exemplary student support programming to student populations. The recipient provides academic support systems and leadership opportunities to students in West Virginia, with a history of exceptional leadership that encourages and motivates other West Virginians to deliver benefits to students. With an unwavering commitment to promoting student success and community engagement, the recipient has a proven track record of understanding the importance and impact they have on shaping West Virginia's economic future. The recipient strives to provide innovative programs that meet the needs and address the challenges of today’s rapidly changing career landscape.

Description of Programs and Services Offered
The nominator must provide a detailed overview of the academic support systems, leadership opportunities, and innovative student programming the nominee has implemented. This should include examples of how these programs address the specific needs of students in West Virginia and adapt to the changing career landscape.

Evidence of Impact and Outcomes
The nominator must present measurable evidence of the nominee's contributions to student success, for example, student retention rates, graduation rates, leadership development metrics, financial support, or testimonials from students and community members. Specific examples of how the programs have positively shaped the lives of students and contributed to the economic future of West Virginia should be included.

Track Record of Community Engagement and Leadership
The nominator must document the nominee's history of exceptional leadership, collaboration with other organizations, and efforts to motivate and inspire others to benefit students. This should include examples of partnerships, community initiatives, or advocacy efforts that demonstrate a commitment to advancing student success and contributing to the broader West Virginia community.

Note: If nominating an individual, the nominator must not be the nominee or a family member of the nominee.  However, if nominating for an institution or organization, an individual employed at that institution or organization is permitted to submit a nomination form.

The recipient of this award is recognized for actions that inspire others to develop their own leadership potential. They exhibit outstanding leadership skills and demonstrate a sense of compassion for helping others. The student who earns this award must be either a West Virginia high school student or enrolled at a West Virginia college or university. The recipient displays an exceptional ability to inspire and mobilize their peers towards meaningful action and seeks service opportunities within their school and community. The student is dedicated to their own academic success as well as the success of their fellow students. The student serves as a role model for their fellow students through community service and/or campus leadership roles.

Student Action and Impact Award Criteria

Leadership in Promoting Peer and Community Opportunities:
The nominator must demonstrate how the nominee has actively worked to increase academic access, resources, or support services for their peers and community. This could include initiatives such as organizing tutoring programs, leading student or community support systems, or advocating for student services.

Involvement in Programs or Activities That Enhance Positive Community and Student Outcomes:
The nominator must provide evidence of the nominee's participation in or leadership of programs aimed at improving their campus or broader community. This might include volunteering with educational outreach programs, supporting first-generation students, advocating for student mental health services, or partnering with organizations focused on student success.

Impact on Community Through Student Advocacy:
The nominator must detail specific actions the nominee has taken to inspire their peers and mobilize others to increase student success. This could include initiatives like organizing workshops on college readiness, career planning, or financial aid, as well as serving as a mentor or advocate for improving policies and practices that benefit their school or community. The nominator should clearly describe the measurable outcomes or lasting impact of their efforts.