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On August 5, 2026, American Public University System combined with Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing to form a single higher education institution. American Public University System (System) now includes American Public University, American Military University, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). We are continuing to update our website to reflect our new structure.

 

James P. Etter Creativity and Innovation Award

The James P. Etter Creativity and Innovation Award is one of the University's highest honors for innovation, recognizing an individual whose creativity, vision, and ingenuity have made a meaningful and lasting impact on American Military University (AMU) or the communities served.

Named in honor of James P. Etter, whose vision and innovative spirit helped shape the University's success, this award celebrates individuals who challenge conventional thinking, develop creative solutions, and inspire progress through imagination, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership. Whether through teaching, research, technology, operations, student initiatives, or community engagement, recipients demonstrate how innovation can create meaningful change.

Open to students, alumni, faculty, staff, Board of Trustees members, stakeholders and allies of AMU, this award honors individuals whose ideas, initiatives or achievements exemplify creativity, innovation and lasting impact.

The James P. Etter Creativity and Innovation Award may be presented annually. However, if no application sufficiently meets the established criteria, the award may not be presented.

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Applicants must:

  • Be a current student, alum, faculty member, staff member, Board of Trustees member, stakeholder or ally of AMU.
  • Demonstrate an innovative or creative contribution that has made a significant impact on their community, industry or the world.
  • Serve as a catalyst for organizational growth and development that benefits others, create an original idea or work that advances technology, learning, development, innovation or entrepreneurship, or act as a change agent for performance improvement and meaningful outcomes.
  • Demonstrate innovation, effectiveness, positive change, personal commitment, entrepreneurship and excellence.
  • Be in good academic and conduct standing with the University.

Eligible individuals may apply directly, or an application may be submitted on their behalf by a faculty member, staff member, student, alum, supervisor or another individual familiar with their accomplishments.

Whether applying directly or having an application submitted on their behalf, a complete application must include:

  • Completed application form.
  • Current professional résumé or curriculum vitae (CV).
  • One letter of recommendation.
  • Responses to the following application prompts (maximum 300 words each):
    • The Opportunity: Describe the challenge, need, or opportunity that inspired your innovative idea or approach.
    • The Innovation: Explain your creative solution, initiative, or accomplishment and what made it unique.
    • The Impact: Describe the measurable or lasting results of your work, including how it benefited individuals, organizations, or communities.
    • Looking Ahead: Explain how your innovative thinking will continue to influence your work, the University, or the broader community.
  • Supporting documentation that demonstrates the applicant's innovation and impact. Examples may include project outcomes, publications, presentations, patents, creative works, process improvements, awards, testimonials, or other relevant materials.

All application materials must be submitted in PDF format unless otherwise specified. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.

Applications are reviewed by the University Awards Committee using established evaluation criteria.

The committee evaluates applicants based on:

  • Originality and creativity.
  • Innovation in addressing a challenge or opportunity.
  • Measurable or lasting impact.
  • Initiative, collaboration, and implementation.
  • Potential to inspire continued innovation
  • Alignment with the mission and values of AMU.

The University Awards Committee selects the top applicants and forwards them to the University President for final review and approval.

  • Applications Open: September 1, 2026
  • Application Deadline: February 1, 2027
  • Committee Review: February–March 2027
  • Recipient Notified by: April 1, 2027
  • Recognition: Commencement Weekend 2027
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Recipients receive:

  • Recognition during Commencement weekend.
  • A crystal trophy.
  • Travel and hotel accommodations in accordance with University award guidelines.
  • Recognition in University communications.

Attendance at Commencement is encouraged but not required.

Questions regarding eligibility or the application process may be directed to the University Awards Committee at universityawards@apus.edu.