Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching is presented annually for outstanding instructors from each community college campus in Missouri for work done during the previous year. 

Administrative Professional Leadership is presented annually to a member of the Association’s Administrative Professional Department who has demonstrated exemplary leadership practices within their college and throughout the community. Recipients exceed expectations for campus involvement and for advancing the mission of community colleges throughout the state. They also have exemplary records of service in professional and civic organizations. (Current members of MCCA’s Board of Directors may not be nominated for this award.)

Award of Distinction is presented to individuals who have demonstrated sustained service and commitment to their local community college. It is one of the highest honors the Association’s membership bestows.

​Criteria for selection include:

• Significant financial contribution to a college, or leadership in acquiring such gifts; or
• Significant contribution of time or resources that advances the role and mission of community colleges throughout the state

Classified Staff Achievement Award is presented annually to a member of the Association’s Classified Staff Department who has had a positive impact on their college and the Classified Staff Department. (Current Classified Staff Department officers may not be nominated for this award.)

Criteria for selection include:

• MCCA membership for at least 3 years
• Current membership in the Classified Staff Department
• Service to college above and beyond assigned job duties
• Service to MCCA

Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to exceptional individuals who have attended a Missouri community college. It is one of the most prestigious awards presented by the membership of the Association. Although it is not required that the recipient be a graduate of a community college, preference is given to those who have earned a certificate or completed a degree program.

Primary criteria for selection:

• Outstanding professional accomplishments
• Outstanding contributions to his/her community

​Supporting criteria:

• Number of years of professional excellence and community service
• Magnitude of accomplishments and service

Distinguished Business and Industry Award is presented to individuals and/or businesses that have engaged in significant partnerships with their local community college to stimulate economic activity and support community college students and programs. It is one of the most prestigious honors the Association presents.

Global Educator Award recipients have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments and contributions in the promotion of global education. Their work aligns with the Missouri Consortium for Global Educations (MCGE) objectives, which can be viewed here.

Criteria for selection include:

• The individual’s work must advance the MCGE objectives listed above
• The individual must be an MCCA member
• The individual must be actively involved in global education activities on his/her college campus and/or at the state, national, or international level

The Mel Aytes Faculty Innovation Award is presented annually in recognition of an innovative project by a faculty member or group of faculty members at a community college. Examples of innovative projects include classroom activities and professional development programs.

Criteria for selection include:

• The project is truly innovative
• The project/innovation improves the quality of a particular course or instructional program, resulting in better outcomes than did teaching the same or similar material with an old method
• The project/innovation can be replicated in other disciplines and/or at other institutions

​The individuals recognized in connection with this award will be invited to make a presentation at MCCA’s annual conference during a workshop or breakout session.

News Media Award is presented annually to members of the media whose work promotes understanding and appreciation of community colleges’ mission, students, faculty, staff, and administrators, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities facing community colleges.

Nomination statements should provide specific details supporting the nomination, including:

• Information about the working relationship between the member of the media the college
• Examples (including web links and/or scanned articles) illustrating the member of the media’s work that promotes public understanding of the mission, finance, governance, instruction, athletics programs, and community service role of community colleges​

Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award will be granted each year in recognition of the vital contributions adjuncts make to the mission of community colleges. Candidates may be any teaching faculty with an FTE less than 100%. Nominees must have taught at least one course per academic year for three consecutive academic years as adjunct faculty. ​Any full‐ or part‐time faculty member or student may nominate a candidate. Part‐time faculty may also nominate themselves.

Senior Service Award is presented annually to a long-serving employee from each of Missouri’s community colleges. Recipients are recommended for the award by their college President or Chancellor. To receive this award, the employee must have worked at a community college for 20 years or more.

Technology Innovation Award is presented annually to recognize and encourage creative and effective use of technology at Missouri’s community colleges.

Trustee Leadership Award is presented annually to a community college trustee whose work and leadership has substantially advanced the mission of community colleges.
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Factors that will be considered in selecting award recipients:

• Service as an officer on the college’s board of trustees
• Participation in activities such as civic organizations, public office, etc.
• Service on MCCA’s Board of Directors
• Demonstrated leadership in helping address the challenges facing community colleges