The Distinguished Service Award, formalized in 1991, recognizes outstanding service to the Plains Anthropological Society and lifetime achievement in Plains anthropological research and scholarship, teaching, and service to the profession. 

The award consists of a plaque and recognition at the annual meeting banquet. Nominations may be submitted by regular mail or email (attachment as a single pdf) and must include a letter with justification of the nomination, brief synopsis of the nominee’s career and contributions to the Plains Anthropological Society and Plains anthropology, a complete vita, and multiple letters of support from others. More than one award may be given in a year.

The deadline for DSA nominations is July 31, 2026.  

Questions may be directed to the Distinguished Service Award Committee Chair:

Warren Davis
Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist
700 Clinton Street Building
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242
Email: warren-davis@uiowa.edu

Click to See Past Recipients of the Distinguished Service Award