The 2027 Terry O'Banion Provocateur Award application is now closed. Look for information about the 2028 award in spring 2027.
Honoring a Legacy of Bold Educational Reform
When discussing his work, Terry O'Banion often described himself as a provocateur, and he worked with the League in establishing this award to stimulate and recognize provocative thought leadership in others.
Terry O’Banion has long been recognized as one of the most influential and provocative voices in the history of community and technical colleges. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he consistently challenged the status quo, using provocation as a tool for reform. By embracing the role of a provocateur, O’Banion fearlessly confronted complacency, exposed systemic barriers to student learning, and inspired innovation across the landscape of higher education.
His work has not only sparked widespread conversations but also has led to tangible, lasting change in how colleges serve students, train leaders, and define their missions.
Ten Ways Terry O’Banion Provoked Change in Higher Education
- Redefined Academic Advising – Introduced a holistic, student-centered model that transformed advising into a developmental and empowering process
- Pioneered the Learning College Movement – Advocated for institutions where every policy and practice is designed to improve student learning and success
- Advanced Equity in Leadership – Developed programs to diversify higher education leadership, promoting inclusive and representative governance
- Led Technological Integration in Community Colleges – Championed the adoption of educational technology during the early computer revolution, preparing colleges for the digital age
- Challenged Traditional Structures and Governance – Addressed systemic issues like ineffective general education and untrained trustees, pushing for ethical, student-focused reform
- Promoted Humanistic and Student-Centered Education – Advocated for a shift from traditional instruction to a humanistic approach that prioritizes individual growth and learning
- Confronted the “Rogue Trustee” Phenomenon – Called attention to governance challenges and the need for ethical, informed trusteeship in community colleges
- Reimagined General and Liberal Education – Critiqued fragmented curricula and called for coherent, purposeful general education that supports lifelong learning
- Served as a Global Consultant and Thought Leader – Shared his vision with over 1,000 colleges worldwide, influencing policy and practice across multiple continents
- Used Provocation to Inspire Systemic Reform – Embraced the role of provocateur to challenge norms, disrupt inertia, and catalyze meaningful change in higher education
About the Award
The Terry O’Banion Provocateur Award seeks to recognize individuals who, like O’Banion, use bold, courageous approaches to address systemic challenges in the community and technical college field. Each award recipient will prepare an article (4,000 to 5,000 words) on their respective topics, which will be published by the League for Innovation. Award recipients* will present their work at the League’s Innovations Conference in early 2027, and each will receive complimentary registration to the conference, up to $1,000 for travel expenses, a commemorative plaque, and a monetary award:
- First Prize: $5,000
- Second Prize: $2,500
- Third Prize: $1,000
*Please note that all prizes may not be awarded.
Award Recipients
Click here to learn about award recipients who embody the spirit of Terry O’Banion’s legacy as a community college champion and provocateur.
Guidelines for Applicants
Please read the guidelines here for insights into the kinds of applications that will be considered for the award.
Application Process and Award Timeline
Stay tuned for information about the 2028 award.
Contact
Cynthia Wilson, Vice President for Learning and Chief Impact Officer
