Lead: Associate Dean of Student Success (S. Pressley) and Associate Dean of Research (H. Beyenal)
The Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture (VCEA) recognizes outstanding students through two distinct award processes:
- VCEA Overall Student of the Year (SOTY) — College-Wide Awards
- Departmental Outstanding Sophomore, Junior, and Senior — Department-Level Awards
These awards follow different nomination and evaluation processes. Please review the appropriate section carefully before submitting nominations.
VCEA Overall Student of the Year (SOTY)
The Overall Student of the Year (SOTY) awards recognize the most outstanding sophomore, junior, and senior students across all departments and schools within VCEA.
These awards:
- Are college wide
- Are evaluated by a VCSS-led committee
- Require additional nomination materials
- Recognize exceptional achievement beyond the department level
Nomination Categories
Each department or school may submit one (1) nominee per category:
- Sophomore
- Junior
- Senior
WSU campuses may each submit names for SOTY awards where appropriate. For example, WSU Bremerton may nominate one junior and senior, while WSU Tri-Cities may nominate one sophomore, junior, and senior.
Important: The SOTY nomination process differs from department-level Outstanding Student awards and requires additional materials to be submitted on the student’s behalf.
SOTY award winners who are participating in an internship may have their nomination materials forwarded to regional or national organizations for consideration in additional awards.
Departmental Outstanding Sophomore, Junior, and Senior
Each year, departments and schools select outstanding students at the sophomore, junior, and senior levels for recognition within their academic programs.
These awards:
- Are selected and decided by the individual department or school
- Recognize top students within each program
- Are presented during the Voiland College Student Excellence Awards
Nomination Guidelines
For each academic program within your department or school, submit one (1) student per category:
- Sophomore
- Junior
- Senior
WSU campuses may each submit names for outstanding students where appropriate. For example, WSU Bremerton may nominate one outstanding junior and senior, while WSU Tri-Cities may nominate one outstanding sophomore, junior, and senior.
Eligibility
- Students may not have previously received the award at the same academic level
- Students must be currently enrolled in coursework typically associated with the academic level and location
- Seniors must be enrolled in final-year coursework
- Junior nominees must be on track to graduate in 2027 (spring, summer, or fall)
- Senior nominees must be on track to graduate in 2026 (spring, summer, or fall)