Celebrating remarkable leaders who embody scholarship, leadership, and service.
The National Society of Collegiate Scholars recognizes exceptional individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their fields and a commitment to the values that NSCS holds dear: scholarship, leadership, and service.
These Distinguished Honorary Members represent the pinnacle of academic and professional excellence. From former presidents to university leaders, ambassadors to professors, each has made significant contributions to education and society.
Our Honorees
These remarkable individuals have been recognized for their extraordinary contributions to scholarship, leadership, and service.
Former President
Former United States President. Honored by Georgia Institute of Technology.
Illinois State Representative
Nominated at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Charles Morrow was an Illinois representative for the 32nd district from 1987 to 2005.
Mayor of Akron, Ohio
Donald L. Plusquellic is the current mayor of Akron, Ohio. He was nominated as a Distinguished Member by The University of Akron chapter.
President, James Madison University
Linwood H. Rose was James Madison University's fifth president, serving for fourteen years, and growing the university more than any before him. He became a Distinguished Member through the JMU chapter.
President, University of Miami
Donna Shalala is the much beloved University of Miami president. She previously served for eight years as the Secretary of Health and Human Services for President Bill Clinton.
U.S. Senator
The 2008 Republican presidential nominee became a Distinguished Member through The University of Arizona. He served as a Senator representing Arizona for 21 years.
Secretary of Defense
Dr. Robert Michael Gates was the Texas A&M University President from 2002 to 2006. He was nominated as a Distinguished Member there. He went on to serve as the Secretary of Defense for both former President George W. Bush and President Obama, from 2006 to 2011.
Distinguished Professor, Purdue University
Dr. Rakesh Agrawal is the Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering at Purdue University.
U.S. Ambassador
Nominated at Robert Morris University, Dr. Robin Sanders was the U.S. Ambassador to Congo from 2002 to 2005 and the Ambassador to Nigeria from 2007 to 2010. She now owns and advises on African business development through her firm FE3DS, LLC.
President, Michigan State University
Lou Anna K. Simon is the 20th president of Michigan State University and serves on the board of directors of Business Leaders for Michigan and the Detroit Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
Dean of Students, Brandeis University
Jamele Adams is the Dean of Students at Brandeis University.
Professor, La Salle University
Dr. Preston Feden is a Professor of Education and an Affiliated Faculty in American Studies at La Salle University. Dr. Feden is also Assistant Director of the University Honors Program.
Director of Neuroscience, Regis University
Dr. Mark Basham is the Director of Neuroscience at Regis University.
Dean, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Maenette Benham serves as Dean at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Professor, UCLA
Barbara Drucker is Professor and Associate Dean of Community Engagement and Arts Education at the University of California, Los Angeles.
President, Northern Kentucky University
Geoffrey Mearns is President of Northern Kentucky University.
President, University of Nevada, Reno
Dr. Marc Johnson serves as President of the University of Nevada, Reno.
Provost, Northern Virginia Community College
Julie Leidig is Provost of Loudoun Campus at Northern Virginia Community College.
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