The Promising Alumni award is given to eight (8) students who have demonstrated great promise in their chosen fields through academic performance and who show great potential for future community and university service through co-curricular involvement.

Students that will be graduating in Fall, Spring, or Summer (i.e. Fall 2022, Spring 2023, or Summer 2023) are eligible to be nominated for the Promising Alumni awards. The university classifies a senior student as a student who has earned a minimum of ninety (90) credit hours or more; however, we allow students to be nominated if they have earned a minimum of eighty (80) credit hours to include students who plan to graduate in the summer.

When choosing who to nominate for a Promising Alumni award, consider a student who has a strong GPA, strong character, and a strong love for the University of North Alabama. Students selected for a Promising Alumni Award should exemplify what the University of North Alabama stands for. Specifically, consider nominating students who align with the mission of the University of North Alabama, which is to be innovative, inclusive, engaged, evolving, and global.

Currently employed University of North Alabama faculty and staff are the only individuals permitted to nominate students that are graduating in Fall, Spring, or Summer (i.e Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Summer 2023) for the Promising Alumni awards. Nominators can nominate two (2) students one (1) time. Nominators must include the nominee’s email address and L number. Nominated students are verified with the Registrar’s Office to ensure they have earned a minimum of eighty (80) hours. If a student has not met the qualification, the nominator will be informed and allowed to submit another student by the date set by the Office of Alumni Relations.

After nominations close, University of North Alabama faculty and staff will be permitted to vote on the top eight (8) candidates of their choice one (1) time. After voting closes the top sixteen (16) candidates will advance to round two with the interview panel. The top sixteen (16) finalists will be contacted by the Office of Alumni Relations. The finalists will have one (1) week to submit their headshot and resume to the Office of Alumni Relations. Free headshots can be taken through the UNA Career Center. All eligible sixteen (16) finalists will be interviewed by an interview panel composed of faculty, staff, and alumni representatives.

Students selected as Promising Alumni award recipients will be honored at the annual Homecoming Alumni Awards ceremony, featured in the Homecoming Parade, and receive a custom made Promising Alumni honor stole that can be worn at graduation. Promising Alumni will also have their picture professionally taken by the University photographer. Their names will be listed on the alumni relations web page. Additional honors will also be bestowed on the Promising Alumni winners.