In January 2026 the Recognition Committee welcomed new members: Marcy Towns, Stephen Podowitz-Thomas, Virginia Davis, and Linda Cummings. Linda Cummings has agreed to chair the committee.
A Call for Nominations for the 2026 Outstanding Service Award was sent out on January 20th, 2026. Nominations are due by February 27, 2026.
The 2026 Outstanding Service Award is usually presented at the DivCHED social at the Spring ACS meeting. Linda Cummings plans to present the award on the behalf of the Division. However, if the recipient cannot make it to the meeting on this short notice, the award will be presented at the Fall 2026 ACS meeting.
We plan for the Call for Nominations to be sent out earlier, before the end of the prior year, for subsequent Outstanding Service Awards.
We plan to request funds for committee travel to future ACS meetings.
Future discussion items:
- Update information on the website and in the operations manual based on new membership and including lengths of terms.
- Develop a plan for communications with the DivCHED membership regarding ACS National Award opportunities. (Goal 3: Identifying and Communicating Value. Build and communicate the unique benefits and role of the Division of Chemical Education.)
- ACS Award for Achievement in Research for the Teaching and Learning of Chemistry
- George C. Pimentel Award in Chemical Education
- James Bryant Conant Award in High School Chemistry Teaching
- Other Opportunities:
- ACS Fellows
- Committee Service Recognition
- Solicit nominations from Committee/Board Chairs in mid-June/July for outstanding service to the division from a member of their respective committee or board.
- Recognize recipients at the Fall Social and with a certificate/notification