The National Art Education Association named Marissa McClure Sweeny, of Indiana, Pennsylvania, to receive the 2021 Preservice Chapter Sponsor Award of Excellence Award. This prestigious award, determined through a peer review of nominations, recognizes dedication to the development of future professional members of NAEA through sponsorship of an outstanding Preservice Chapter group at the college/university level. The award was presented during the (virtual) NAEA 2021 National Convention.

NAEA President Thom Knab stated, "This award is being given to recognize excellence in professional accomplishment and service by a dedicated art educator. Marissa McClure Sweeny exemplifies the highly qualified art educatorsactive in education today: leaders, teachers, students, scholars, and advocates who give theirbest to their students and the profession."

Founded in 1947, the National Art Education Association is the leading professional membership organization exclusively for visual arts educators. Members include elementary, middle, and high school visual arts educators; college and university professors; university students preparing to become art educators; researchers and scholars; teaching artists; administrators and supervisors; and art museum educatorsas well as more than 54,000 students who are members of the National Art Honor Society. We represent members in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, US possessions, most Canadian provinces, US military bases around the world, and 45 foreign countries.

The mission of the National Art Education Association champions creative growth and innovation by equitably advancing the tools and resources for a high-quality visual arts, design, and media arts education throughout diverse populations and communities of practice.

Department of Art and Design