The Circle of Excellence is a recognition program established as part of the NODA Excellence Fund. The Circle of Excellence honors and engages individuals who have served as professionals and scholars in the fields of Orientation, Transition, and Retention and who have dedicated years of service to NODA. Ambassadors serve for one year working with NODA fundraising efforts, raising funds to support the NODA Excellence Fund. 100% of all Circle of Excellence funds raised goes directly to assisting NODA members seeking both regional and national professional development opportunities both on the national and regional level.

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Shawn Smee Headshot

Shawn Smee
Murray State University

Quincy Spencer Headshot

Quincy Spencer
University of Arkansas

Help Shawn and Quincy reach their goal

The 2024 Circle of Excellence Ambassadors are Shawn Smee from Murray State University & Quincy Spencer from the University of Arkansas. Quincy and Shawn are halfway to their fundraising goal of $7,000. We hope you will consider donating to help them reach their goal before we head to Portland, OR for NODAC this fall. For more details and information on the Circle of Excellence, click here. You can donate towards their fundraising goal here.

Dr. Cynthia L. Hernandez
Texas State University

Dr. Jamie Mantooth
University of Tennessee at Martin

Mary Jo Fabich
Illinois State University

Andrene Kaiwi
California Polytechnic State University

Bonita Jacobs
University of North Georgia

Charlie Andrews
Florida International University

Chris Timmerman
WSIA

Jeanine Ward-Roof
Ferris State University

Victor Wilson
The University of Georgia

Nominations for 2025 Circle of Excellence Ambassador

The NODA Excellence Fund (NEF) Committee is seeking nominations for 2025 Circle of Excellence Ambassador. Association members may nominate an individual who they feel best represents the principles of OTR and commitment to NODA, and who meets the criteria above Members may also self-nominate. To nominate an individual, complete the CoE nomination form. Nominations will be accepted through July 8, 2024. Nominate a colleague today!

Circle of Excellence nominees should possess the following qualities:

Each year, Association members will have the opportunity to nominate a colleague to serve as our Circle of Excellence nominee. Nominees will be selected by the NODA Fundraising Committee. The Circle of Excellence nominees will be announced at the NODA Annual Conference & will serve as ambassadors for the Circle of Excellence fundraising efforts for the Association for one year. Individuals will set their own fundraising amount with an attainable goal to strive to raise as much money as possible. The amount raised and individual will be recognized at the Annual Conference to close out their term.

  • Has or currently is engaging in NODA leadership on a regional and/or international basis.
  • Have demonstrated significant contributions to the Association during their time as a member.
  • Willing to commit to supporting the Association as an ambassador for the Circle of Excellence for one year.
  • Have been or currently is a leader in the field of OTR

*Decisions will be based upon contributions to NODA, years of active service, and contributions to the fields of OTR.

Timeline for Nomination Forms:

At this time, we are now accepting 2024 Circle of Excellence nominations! Nominations will be accepted April 26 – August 4, 2024 for consideration.

General Timeline:

  • Nomination forms will open in the spring.
  • The Fundraising Committee will review nomination forms over the summer.
  • The Circle of Excellence Nominee will be revealed at the NODA Annual Conference.
  • The nominee will serve as ambassadors for the Circle of Excellence from Annual Conference – Annual Conference.
  • The Circle of Excellence Award will be presented at the Annual Conference concluding their fundraising term.