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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.

 

Outstanding Campus Leader Award

The Outstanding Campus Leader Award recognizes a student or alum who has demonstrated exceptional leadership through meaningful and sustained engagement in the American Military University (AMU) community

Leadership is more than holding a title. It is the ability to inspire others, strengthen communities, foster collaboration and create opportunities for meaningful engagement. This award celebrates individuals who have contributed their time, talents and leadership to initiatives that positively influence the AMU student experience.

Campus leadership may be demonstrated through student organizations, the AMU Ambassador Program, the Student Mentoring Program, University committees, volunteer initiatives, University-sponsored programs or other co-curricular leadership opportunities. Applicants are not required to participate in a specific program or hold an elected leadership position. What matters most is the meaningful impact they have created through their engagement and service to the University community.

The Outstanding Campus Leader Award may be presented annually to up to three recipients. 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 or alum of AMU.
  • Be in good academic and conduct standing with the University.
  • Demonstrate meaningful and sustained engagement in one or more AMU campus leadership or co-curricular opportunities.
  • Demonstrate well-rounded leadership excellence through service to students, student organizations, co-curricular programs or the broader University community.
  • Show leadership through service, collaboration, mentorship, advocacy or other contributions that positively affect the AMU community.
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to University development through impactful initiatives.
  • Reflect the mission and values of AMU through their leadership and involvement.

Examples of eligible campus leadership and engagement opportunities include:

  • Student organization officer.
  • The AMU Ambassador Program.
  • The Mentoring Program.
  • Other leadership or engagement opportunities that contribute to the AMU community.

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.

A complete application must include:

  • Completed application form.
  • One letter of recommendation from an individual who can speak to the applicant's leadership, engagement, and impact within the AMU community.
  • Responses to the following application prompts (maximum 300 words each).
    • Leadership in Action: Describe a campus leadership or co-curricular experience that best demonstrates your approach to leadership. What role did you play, what actions did you take and what did the experience teach you?
    • Strengthening the AMU Community: Share specific examples of how your leadership, service or involvement has strengthened the student experience or contributed to the development of the University community.
    • Inspiring and Supporting Others: Describe how you have encouraged, mentored, supported or empowered others through your campus involvement. What impact did your efforts have on the individuals or groups involved?
    • Creating Lasting Impact: What contribution or initiative are you most proud of, and how do you hope its impact will continue within the AMU community?
  • Optional supporting documentation that strengthens the application, such as event materials, project summaries, testimonials, participation or engagement results, awards, photographs, presentations or other evidence of the applicant’s contributions.

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

Applications are reviewed using established evaluation criteria.

The review process considers each applicant's:

  • Well-rounded leadership excellence.
  • Meaningful and sustained engagement in the AMU community.
  • Service to students, student organizations or co-curricular programs.
  • Ability to inspire, mentor, support or empower others.
  • Contributions to University development through impactful initiatives.
  • Collaboration, professionalism and integrity.
  • Positive and lasting impact on the student experience.
  • 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
  • Recipients 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.