Nell C. Jackson Award

Established in 1992, the Nell C. Jackson Award and the National Association for Girls & Women in Sport (NAGWS) recognize the contributions of minority women who have demonstrated outstanding potential in scholarship, coaching, administration, and leadership through distinguished service to girls and women's sports.

This award is named in honor of an outstanding woman of accomplishment. Jackson devoted her life to track and field competition for women, participating in the 1948 Olympic and 1951 Pan-American Games and continuing a service to the Olympics as a coach and member of the Olympic Committee Board of Directors. This award is presented at 3 levels: professional, college/university, and high school.

Criteria for Professional nominee: 1) demonstrate high moral character and personal integrity. 2) exemplify vision and leadership involvement in national or international sports organizations. 3) demonstrate outstanding potential in scholarship, teaching and/or professional leadership as reflected by: a) publications. b) citations, awards, or other recognition for outstanding teaching, coaching, or administration. c) active leadership roles in sport. 4) present evidence of successful service potential in any two of the following three categories: a) record of increasing involvement of minorities in sport. b) record of increasing communications with greater numbers or minorities. c) record of extending meaningful professional services to minorities.

Criteria for the University/College Student-Athlete nominee: 1) demonstrate outstanding athletic ability in their respective track and field area. 2) demonstrate sportslike behavior during the track and field season(s). 3) demonstrate exceptional academic ability. 4) demonstrate active participation in extracurricular activities and/or community involvement.

Criteria for the High School Level Student-Athlete nominee: 1) demonstrate outstanding athletic ability by qualifying for the State Track and Field Championships in the state that the convention is being held. 2) demonstrate sportslike behavior during the track and field season(s). 3) demonstrate exceptional academic ability. 4) demonstrate active participation in extracurricular activities and/or community involvement.

All nomination forms for the upcoming convention are due by January 15 of the convention year.

View Past Award Recipients

Nomination Form