Distinguished Service Awards

Recommendation Criteria

Recommended individuals should demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Exceptional service to ATS or other organizations committed to improving theological education
• Innovative contributions to the structures and forms of theological education
• Significant advancement of scholarship in theological disciplines
• Unique contributions to the understanding and advancement of theological education

Past Awardees

Since its inception, the Distinguished Service Award has honored individuals whose work has significantly shaped theological education in the U.S. and Canada. These recipients represent a wide range of traditions, roles, and contributions, from academic leadership and institutional innovation to scholarship and service to the broader ATS community.

Their names and titles at the time of earning the award are listed below:

2024

Marsha Foster Academic Officer and Interim Chief Academic Dean Interdenominational Theological Center and President Emerita Ecumenical Theological Seminary

2022

Dan Aleshire ATS Executive Director (Retired)

2020

Tite Tiénou Director Hiebert Center for World Christianity and Global Theology and Research Professor Theology of Mission at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Required Information

• Name and current position of the nominee
• Past roles in theological education
• Description of major contributions based on the criteria above
• Additional relevant activities or achievements
• Your name and contact information as the nominator

How to Submit a Recommendation

CEOs and CAOs may complete the online recommendation form by November 17, 2025. The ATS Board of Directors will nominate and select the awardee at its December meeting and make an announcement in early 2026. The award will be presented at the ATS/COA Biennial Meeting in Chicago in June 2026.