State Level Awards

TAND is now accepting nominations for our annual state level awards! Please refer to the details below for more information.

DEADLINE: October 26, 2026

Applicants must:

  • View the list of available awards below – paying careful attention to eligibility criteria, deadlines, and required application materials.
  • Complete the linked application form in its entirety to be considered for the award.
  • Request each letter of recommendation to include the referee’s full name, email address, phone number, and affiliation to the applicant.
  • Confirm all letters of recommendation are submitted directly to TAND by the individuals supplying the references.

Nomination Guidelines

  • To nominate your peer for a TAND award, please email your nominee in mind, and copy the TAND inbox. Here is a template to help. We recommend recommendation emails be sent in September to give the nominee time to submit all needed materials.
  • Self-nominations are welcome for all TAND awards except Preceptor of the Year.

If you have any questions, please contact your district awards chair or Jenna Martin. 

TAND's Outstanding Dietetic Educator Award

Eligibility Criteria
1. Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
2. Faculty with academic or supervised practice appointments or preceptors in ACEND-accredited dietetics education program (CPD, DI, DPD, FEM, DT, IDE/FDE).
3. Demonstrated innovative teaching skills and techniques.
4. Demonstrated mentoring experience as documented by letters of recommendation.
5. Demonstrated leadership, e.g., in legislation, research, education, management, etc., in the profession.

Required Application Materials
Completed application form – CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT
Two (2) letters of recommendation emailed directly from referees to eatrighttn@gmail.com – one (1) letter must come from a current student

Outstanding Dietetics Student Award

Eligibility Criteria
1. Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics by January 1, 2026
2. Student enrolled in ACEND-accredited dietetics education program (CPD, DI, DPD, FEM, DT, IDE/FDE).
3. Demonstrated academic achievement as documented by letters of recommendation.
4. Demonstrated leadership and professional potential, e.g., honors, student dietetic association activities, community service activities, etc.

Required Application Materials
Completed application form – CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT
Two (2) letters of recommendation emailed directly from program faculty or preceptors to eatrighttn@gmail.com

Outstanding Dietitian of the Year Award

Eligibility Criteria

  1.  Active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
  2. Active participation in the national, state, or district association.
  3. Is a Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist or the equivalent in their own country if an international member.
  4. Not previously selected for this award in current or any other affiliate.
  5. Demonstrated leadership, in the Academy, Affiliate, local, non-Academy professional associations (demonstrating leadership in nutrition, dietetics, and foodservice), community and/or employment.
  6. Exceptional performance in area of practice with significant contributions to the achievement of practice.

Required Application Materials
Completed application form – CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT
Two (2) letters of recommendation emailed directly from referees to eatrighttn@gmail.com

Recognized Dietetic Technician of the Year Award

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
  2. Active participation in the national, state, or district association.
  3. Is a Nutrition and Dietetic Technician, Registered.
  4. Not previously selected for this award in current or any other affiliate.
  5. Demonstrated leadership, in the Academy, Affiliate, local, non-Academy professional associations (demonstrating leadership in nutrition, dietetics, and foodservice), community and/or employment.
  6. Exceptional performance in area of practice with significant contributions to the achievement of practice.

Required Application Materials
Completed application form – CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT
Two (2) letters of recommendation emailed directly from referees to eatrighttn@gmail.com

Emerging Dietetic Leader Award

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
  2. Initial practice experience not greater than 10 years. Interrupted careers or time periods not in practice, are not to be considered or rationed into the 5-10 years of professional practice experience.
  3. Active participation in the national, state, or district association for at least 5 years.
  4. A registered dietitian nutritionist or a nutrition and dietetics technician, registered.
  5. Demonstrates exceptional leadership ability and skill to successfully manage projects, staff and/or program.
  6. Demonstrated leadership, in the Academy, Affiliate, local, non-Academy professional associations (demonstrating leadership in nutrition, dietetics, and foodservice), community and/or employment.

Required Application Materials
Completed application form – CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT
Two (2) letters of recommendation emailed directly from referees to eatrighttn@gmail.com

IRIS Award

The IRIS Award is given to an individual who has contributed significantly to the field of dietetics and/or specifically to TAND.

Eligibility Criteria
1. Is not a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or TAND.
2. Is not a Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
3. Is known to dietetics professionals throughout the state of Tennessee.
4. Contributed to nutrition in at least one (1) of the following ways:

  • Promoted the advancement of the field of nutrition through scientific knowledge or technical skills.
  • Demonstrated goodwill through notable service in furthering the advancement of dietetics and promotes its high standards through resources, time, financial or personal support.
  • Furthered the cultural growth of dietetics.
  • Contributed to the public awareness of dietetics.

Required Application Materials
Completed application form – CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT
Two (2) letters of recommendation emailed directly from referees to eatrighttn@gmail.com

TAND's Preceptor of the Year Award

The Preceptor of the Year Award is given to an individual who has made exemplary accomplishments of core preceptor responsibilities.

Eligibility Criteria
1. Nominee contributed to nutrition in at least one (1) of the following ways:

  • Showcased innovative teaching skills and techniques to facilitate student/intern learning.
  • Exhibited mentoring behaviors that elevated student/intern learning and level of practice.
  • Participated beyond membership in local, state, and/or national organization(s), community organization(s), workplace committee(s), etc.
  • Completed activities that had implications for the field of dietetics.

Required Application Materials
Completed application form – CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT

National Level Awards

TAND members are encouraged to nominate their peers for the Academy’s professional practice awards.

You can find out more about the specific awards and steps for nomination here.

District Level Awards

TAND Districts have their own awards, which you can find out more about by visiting the websites below.