COS Award

The ADEA Council of Sections (COS) Thomas F. Nowlin Award for Outstanding Performance by a Section recognizes a Section for exceptional demonstrated activities above and beyond the requirements throughout the year.

Dr. Thomas F. Nowlin served in several roles within the council, including Chair of Sections. He was well known in the council for his collegiality, positive attitude, creativity, honor, ethics and dedication to the craft of dental education. Thus, in 2006, the award was named after Dr. Nowlin to honor his memory, contributions and leadership in the ADEA COS.

Selection process

Each section is required to submit its Annual Report no later than July 1 of each year. Each ADEA COS Administrative Board member evaluates the reports of his or her assigned groups, ranks them based on the selection criteria and nominates one group for consideration to receive the award. The ADEA COS Administrative Board serves as the selection committee for this award.

Note: On-time submission of annual reports is required for nomination.

Selection criteria

The following criteria, provided in the annual report template, will be used in the selection process.

  • Annual program.
  • Members forum.
  • External activities.
  • Communications.
  • Collaborations, special assignments and projects.
  • Attendance.
  • Goals for the coming year.

Notification date and announcement

The recipient of the ADEA COS Thomas F. Nowlin Award for Outstanding Performance by a Section is announced and recognized during the ADEA COS Members’ Meeting during the ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition.