Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award (DSA) was established by the American Home Economics Association (AHEA) Foundation in 1979 as a living tribute to members of AHEA (now AAFCS) to recognize superior achievements in family and consumer sciences, outstanding contributions to the family and consumer sciences profession, and sustained association leadership at both state and national levels. A list of prior recipients can be found here. 

2026 Award Application Information

Applications Open: August 01, 2025

Deadline Closed: November 03, 2025

Guidelines

Application

Submit

2025 Recipient

DSA Press Release 

Read the official announcement and congratulations to our 2025 Distinguished Service Award recipient here. 

DSA Honorary Fund

Honor our DSA recipient Lizabeth Self-Mullens, CFCS-Retired by donating to the 2025 DSA Honorary Fund today. The Fund supports the Association's programs and services, including research, public awareness efforts, and publications. The community’s tax-deductible donations sustain these and other programs that support professionals whose work assists individuals, families, and communities in making informed decisions about their well-being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life.

You can make your gift on the AAFCS website by clicking here. Donate by mail here. 

Lizabeth Self-Mullens, CFCS-Retired, Tennessee

Lizabeth Self-Mullens, Ph.D., CFCS-Retired, Tennessee holds degrees in Home Economics Education, Textiles & Apparel, and Human Ecology. Her career includes service as a faculty member, extension educator, program director, unit director, assistant dean, dean, assistant vice president for academic affairs, and provost. Liz retired in 2018 as Dean, of the College of Agriculture & Human Ecology at Tennessee Technological University. She served as the 2020-2021 AAFCS Board President, Counselor on the 2021-2022 AAFCS Board of Directors, and Chairperson of the AFCS Past Presidents’ Unit for two years. She participated in the AAFCS Council for Certification and Task Force for Program Advancement. She currently serves on the Leadership Council, Past Presidents’ Unit, ATD Showcase Committee, several communities, and as a mentor in the AAFCS Leadership Academy. Locally, Liz teaches quilting classes to adults and children, participates with the Friends of White Plains to restore an 1840s historic home, and chairs the Upper Cumberland Quilt Festival Board.