Alumni Awards

The Alumni Awards program was reinstated on an annual basis by the West Georgia Alumni Association on May 14, 1977. Beginning in 1983, the awards program was expanded, and in subsequent years new awards added. Learn more about the various awards and past recipients below.

The selected honorees will be recognized at the 50th Annual Alumni Awards Celebration as part of Alumni Weekend taking place on April 16-17, 2027.

*Current Alumni Board of Directors members are not eligible to receive Alumni Awards while they are actively serving on the Board.

Alumni Award Information

Description of Awards

Nominations for the 2027 Alumni Awards and Thriving Under 30 Awards are due December 15, 2026. Please carefully review the Award Descriptions prior to submitting your nomination.

Please note: The selection committee depends on your answers to assess each nominee. Please take time to enter thorough answers that truly represent the nominee’s qualifications.

You are encouraged to communicate with your nominee to identify and verify their career and philanthropic accomplishments to ensure your nomination is as strong as possible.

Achievement Award

The Achievement Awards are presented to graduates who have brought credit to the University of West Georgia and/or the Alumni Association through 10+ years of career achievement. Awards are given by college using the current UWG colleges; alumni should be nominated according to the current college structure. If you have questions about which college's achievement award your nominee should be considered for, please email us at alumni@westga.edu prior to submitting your nomination. 

Achievement Awards include:

  • Achievement Award for the Dr. James 'Earl' Perry College of Mathematics, Computing, and Sciences (includes graduates in computing and computer science, mathematics, biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, geology, physics) 
  • Achievement Award for College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (includes graduates in anthropology, art, criminology, English, film, history, international languages and cultures, music, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, theatre)
  • Achievement Award for College of Education (includes graduates from any COE undergraduate or graduate program)
  • Achievement Award for Richards College of Business (includes graduates from any RCOB undergraduate or graduate program)
  • Achievement Award for University College (includes graduates from any current UC undergraduate or graduate program including the following majors/programs: organizational leadership, interdisciplinary studies, MPA)
  • Achievement Award in School of Communication, Film, and Media (includes graduates from any current SCFM undergraduate or graduate program including the following majors/programs: mass communications, film & video production)
  • Achievement Award for Tanner Health School of Nursing (includes graduates from any THSON undergraduate or graduate program)
  • Achievement Award for the Honors College (includes graduates from any academic discipline who graduated from UWG's Honors College)
  • Achievement Award for the Graduate School (includes graduates from any academic discipline who earned a graduate degree)

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H. Franklin Pritchett, Jr. Service to Humanity Award

Previously known as the Service to Humanity Award. In 2017, the Alumni Association Board of Directors chose to rename the award in honor of Frank Pritchett '88 '92, a longtime alumni relations director who served the university, its alumni, and the community for 28 years. This award is presented to a graduate whose service to humanity enriched persons or community while bringing credit to the University of West Georgia and/or the Alumni Association.

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Spirit of the Wolf Award

Presented to a non-alum who has demonstrated faithful and distinguished service to the University of West Georgia and/or the Alumni Association. This award seeks to identify and honor non-alumni supporters that are critical to the success of the institution.

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J. Owen Moore Faculty/Staff Award

Previously known as the Outstanding Retired Faculty/Staff Award and the Outstanding Professor Award. In 2008, the award was renamed in memory of J. Owen Moore '40, loyal supporter of UWG, retired faculty member, and lifetime member of the Alumni Association. The award recognizes service to the university, students, and the community beyond what is required in their job duties. This award will be presented in two categories: one to a faculty member, either retired or current, and another to a staff member, either retired or current.

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Lillian Williams Community Leadership Award

Named for Lillian Williams ’67, the first African-American student admitted to then West Georgia College, this award honors an alum whose leadership has strengthened the bonds of their community. The recipient exemplifies compassion, vision, and commitment to creating opportunities that bring people together and enrich the lives of others. This individual should embody the idea of a philanthropist and serve as a connector, bridge-builder, and advocate for positive change.

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Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Presented to a graduate within the past 10 years who has made significant strides in their career.

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Spotlight Award
This award is an effort to spotlight an alum who has brought credit to the University and/or Association in a relatively short period of time.

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Loyalty Award

Previously known as the Alumni Loyalty Award, this award is presented to an alum in recognition of enduring loyal service to the University of West Georgia and/or the Alumni Association.

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Thriving Under 30 Awards

The Thriving Under 30 awards recognize young alumni who are under the age of 30 and have made a significant impact in their career industry while exhibiting dedication to UWG and representing the university well.

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