The Lifetime Achievement in Creative Scholarship was launched in 2026 and honors a faculty member (or retired faculty member) who has exhibited evidence of an extensive media-related creative scholarship record, or significant sustained impact on students’ creative work, usually over at least a twenty-year span. This award is in recognition of their creative scholarly output.

Nominations for candidates are accepted starting in September each year.

Eligibility

• Nominees must be a current BEA individual, institutional or associate member.
• Nominees must have a significant contribution to creative scholarship. 
• NOTE: Current board members are not eligible to be nominated, but may nominate candidates for the award.

Timeline

September 1: Nominations open

January 15: Nominations close at 11:59 pm ET

February 15: DESA winner announced

April: DESA winner recognized during the Opening Awards Ceremony at the BEA Annual Convention