NPSMA Awards & Recognition
The National Professional Science Master's Association honors outstanding contributions to the PSM community through several annual awards. These recognitions celebrate leadership, innovation, service, and long-term commitment to advancing Professional Science Master's programs nationwide.
President's Award
Awarded to a member of the PSM community for outstanding contributions or service to the PSM Initiative.
- 2024: Seema Freer, Temple University
- 2023: Kristin Kuter, Saint Mary's College
- 2021: Tim Born, Grand Valley State University
- 2021: Scott Herness, Montclair State University
- 2019: Courtney Thornton, North Carolina State University
- 2018: Linda Strausbaugh, University of Connecticut (Emeritus)
- 2016: Debra Warren-Hite, NPSMA
- 2015: Saeed Foroudastan, Middle Tennessee State University
- 2014: Donald Langenberg, University System of Maryland (Emeritus)
- 2013: Bogdan Vernescu, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- 2012: Sheila Tobias, Author & Consultant
Board of Directors Award
Awarded to PSM program directors, faculty, staff, alumni, students, or industry leaders for exemplary contributions to PSM programs or the PSM Initiative.
- 2024: Marcel Blais, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- 2023: Starra Priestaf, University of Illinois
- 2021: Jeannie Houts, NPSMA
- 2019: Ray Hoobler, University of Utah
- 2018: Heidi Harkins, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
- 2017: Carol Lynch, University of Colorado Boulder
- 2017: Michael Teitelbaum, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation / Harvard Law School
- 2016: Todd Arnold, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Chelsea Nihill, Middle Tennessee State University
- 2015: Elizabeth Friedman, Illinois Institute of Technology
- 2014: Rana Khan, University of Maryland University College; Gerald Santoro, Pennsylvania State University
- 2013: Dagmar Beck, Rice University; Peiru Wu, Michigan State University
- 2012: Cynthia Bainton, Northeastern University; Saeed Foroudastan, Middle Tennessee State University
Liz Friedman Exceptional Contribution Award
Awarded to a member of the PSM community who exemplifies the dedication and vision shown by Liz Friedman.
- 2024: Deborah Silver, Rutgers University
- 2023: Dagmar Beck, Rice University
Continued Support Award
Awarded to a member of the PSM community who has demonstrated longevity and excellence in support of the NPSMA.
- 2024: Linda Strausbaugh, University of Connecticut (Emeritus)
- 2023: Al Kern, California State University San Marcos; Gerald Grunwald, Thomas Jefferson University
Lifetime Achievement Award
Recognizes individuals whose long-term contributions have significantly advanced the PSM initiative and strengthened the NPSMA community.
- 2021: Linda Strausbaugh, University of Connecticut (Emeritus)
Award for Outstanding Service
Honors exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to the NPSMA or PSM programs.
- 2023: Derek Payne, NPSMA
Advisory Board Award
Awarded 2012–2014 to industry leaders for outstanding contributions to PSM programs or the NPSMA.
- 2014: Ross Grossman, Regeneron (Emeritus)
- 2013: EMD Serono, Inc.
- 2012: Michael Morad, Covidien Vascular Therapies
Certificate of Special Recognition
Acknowledges unique contributions or achievements that have positively impacted the PSM community.
- 2013: Eleanor Babco (Posthumously)
Awards Archive by Year
2024
- President's Award: Seema Freer, Temple University
- Board of Directors Award: Marcel Blais, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Liz Friedman Exceptional Contribution Award: Deborah Silver, Rutgers University
- Continued Support Award: Linda Strausbaugh, University of Connecticut (Emeritus)
2023
- President's Award: Kristin Kuter, Saint Mary's College
- Board of Directors Award: Starra Priestaf, University of Illinois
- Liz Friedman Exceptional Contribution Award: Dagmar Beck, Rice University
- Continued Support Award: Al Kern, California State University San Marcos; Gerald Grunwald, Thomas Jefferson University
- Award for Outstanding Service: Derek Payne, NPSMA
2021
- President's Award: Tim Born, Grand Valley State University; Scott Herness, Montclair State University
- Board of Directors Award: Jeannie Houts, NPSMA
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Linda Strausbaugh, University of Connecticut (Emeritus)
2019
- President's Award: Courtney Thornton, North Carolina State University
- Board of Directors Award: Ray Hoobler, University of Utah
2018
- President's Award: Linda Strausbaugh, University of Connecticut (Emeritus)
- Board of Directors Award: Heidi Harkins, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
2017
- Board of Directors Award: Carol Lynch, University of Colorado Boulder; Michael Teitelbaum, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation / Harvard Law School
2016
- President's Award: Debra Warren-Hite, NPSMA
- Board of Directors Award: Todd Arnold, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Chelsea Nihill, Middle Tennessee State University
2015
- President's Award: Saeed Foroudastan, Middle Tennessee State University
- Board of Directors Award: Elizabeth Friedman, Illinois Institute of Technology
2014
- President's Award: Donald Langenberg, University System of Maryland (Emeritus)
- Board of Directors Award: Rana Khan, University of Maryland University College; Gerald Santoro, Pennsylvania State University
- Advisory Board Award: Ross Grossman, Regeneron (Emeritus)
2013
- President's Award: Bogdan Vernescu, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Board of Directors Award: Dagmar Beck, Rice University; Peiru Wu, Michigan State University
- Advisory Board Award: EMD Serono, Inc.
- Certificate of Special Recognition: Eleanor Babco (Posthumously)
2012
- President's Award: Sheila Tobias, Author & Consultant
- Board of Directors Award: Cynthia Bainton, Northeastern University; Saeed Foroudastan, Middle Tennessee State University
- Advisory Board Award: Michael Morad, Covidien Vascular Therapies