UA students have an opportunity to apply for Outstanding Student Awards. Outstanding Student Awards are categorized by student classification, so students in their freshman through graduate years can apply for the applicable award. Additionally, there is a category specifically for transfer students who began their collegiate journey at a different academic institution, but now attend The University of Alabama. The application process for each award differs; to learn more about each award and process, select the corresponding category.
Outstanding Freshman Award
Each year Omicron Delta Kappa chooses up to two Freshman students who have made extraordinary contributions to The University of Alabama and/or to the community through their academic and extracurricular activities during high school and their freshman year to be awarded the Tommy Parks Davis Outstanding Freshman Award.
A 1970 graduate of The University of Alabama with a master’s degree in Counseling, Tommy was a member of Kappa Sigma and The Other Club. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Spring Hill College and attended McGill Institute, later McGill-Toolen, where he returned after college to serve as a teacher, guidance counselor, and vice principal for over 14 years. His career with The University of Alabama Admissions began in 1978 as the Mobile Regional Director until his retirement in 2001 as Senior Associate Director of Admissions. He was the 1992-1993 recipient of the Walter R. Guyton Student Service Award given by Omicron Delta Kappa. He also received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, was founding chairperson of the Morris Lehman Mayer Premier Award, and was a trustee of the Board for the John Fraser Ramsey Premier Award. He served as faculty advisor for the Beta chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity from the mid-80’s until 2017 and was inducted into the Kappa Sigma Hall of Fame.
Deadline
Monday, February 9, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. CST
Application Submission Instructions
Use the link below to submit the electronic application. Follow the directions within the application and attach the required supporting materials, an unofficial UA transcript and a professional resume, in PDF format. Applicants should also be prepared to provide academic details, including their high school and college grade information, along with a comprehensive summary of honors, leadership experience, and community involvement from both high school and their time at UA.
Outstanding Freshman Award Application Link
Contact for Questions
Please email odk@ua.edu
Outstanding Sophomore Award
Each year up to two sophomore students are chosen who have made extraordinary contributions to The University of Alabama and/or to the community through their academic and extracurricular activities. This award is sponsored by the Anderson Society.
Deadline
Monday, February 9, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. CST
Application Submission Instructions
Use the link below to submit the electronic application. Follow the directions within the application for submitting your two required letters of recommendation.
Outstanding Sophomore Award Application Link
Contact for Questions
VP Connor Higgins (clhiggins@crimson.ua.edu)
DJ Jackson, Advisor (davis.jackson@ua.edu)
Outstanding Junior Award
Each year up to two junior students are chosen who have made extraordinary contributions to The University of Alabama and/or to the community through their academic and extracurricular activities. This award is sponsored by the Mortar Board.
Deadline
Monday, February 9, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. CST
Application Submission Instructions
Use the link below to submit the electronic application. Follow the directions within the application for submitting additional documents.
Outstanding Junior Award Application Link
Contact for Questions
Martha Griffith, Advisor (mmgriffith@ua.edu)
Outstanding Senior Award
Each year up to two senior students are chosen who have made extraordinary contributions to The University of Alabama and/or to the community through their academic and extracurricular activities. This award is sponsored by Alpha Lambda Delta.
Deadline
Friday, February 20, 2026 by 5 p.m. CST
Application Submission Instructions
Use the link below to submit the electronic application. Follow the directions within the application for submitting any needed documents or items.
Outstanding Senior Award Application Link
Contact for Questions
Dr. Jeremy Reid – jeremy.reid@ua.edu
Outstanding Transfer Student Award
Each year up to two transfer students are chosen who have made extraordinary contributions to The University of Alabama and/or to the community through their academic and extracurricular activities. This award is sponsored by the UA Chapter of Tau Sigma.
Deadline
Friday, February 20, 2026 by 5 p.m. CST
Application Submission Instructions
Application should be submitted online using the link provided on this page below.
Outstanding Transfer Student Award Application Link
Contact for Questions
Dre Vaden – apvaden@ua.edu
Outstanding Graduate Student Award
Each year, two graduate students are chosen who have made extraordinary contributions to The University of Alabama and/or to the community through their academic and extracurricular activities. Recommendations for this award can be made through self, peer, or faculty nominations. This award is sponsored by the Graduate Student Association.
Deadline
Monday, February 9, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. CST
Application Submission Instructions
Application should be submitted online using the link provided on this page below. Nomination forms require a recommendation letter from faculty/staff along with nominee CV.
Outstanding Graduate Student Award Application Link
Contact for Questions
Graduate Student Association – gsa@ua.edu