The Foundation Board of Trustees gives a yearly award to a current member of the NREA who has served for a minimum of five years and has given significant contributions in service to the NREA as well as to their local rural school district, state, or the nation in the field of rural education.

Winners

  • Jerry White: Inducted in 2022
  • Jack Sanders: Inducted in 2015 – Rural Researcher
  • Claudette Morton: Inducted in 2015 – Montana Rural Education Leader
  • Don Rogers: Inducted in 2015 – Texas Rural Education Association Executive Director
  • Al Eads: Inducted in 2012 – Past President 2003
  • Patricia Laubach: Inducted in 2010 – North Dakota Past President 1990
  • George Brown: Inducted in 2010 – Texas Past President 2001
  • Travis Cliett: Inducted in 2010 – Mississippi Executive Committee Member
  • John Sullivan: Inducted in 2009 – Kansas Past President 1999 and Auctioneer
  • Edward W. Chance: Inducted in 2009 – Oklahoma and Nevada Research Leader
  • V. Pauline Hodges: Inducted in 2008 – Oklahoma Past President 1998
  • E. Robert Stephens: Inducted in 2008 – Iowa Past President 1972
  • Joe Newlin: Inducted in 2007 – Colorado Executive Secretary 1980–1999
  • Ray Drage: Inducted in 2007 – Ohio Past President 1979