Established in 2008, the Essentials award seeks to recognize an author or authors who have written an article that is thought provoking, enlightening, and provides relevant and practical ideas to AFA members. To be eligible, articles must be original work and not previously published, must be based on sound professional practice and/or research, and must have been published in Essentials between August 2022 and July 2023. Finalists for this award are selected by the Editorial Board and then reviewed by the Awards and Recognition Committee to determine a winner.
| Year | Recipient |
| 2023 | Leslie Pedigo, A Strategic Approach to Onboarding New Employees |
| 2022 | Christina Parle, 15 Ways to Connect the Big Three: SFL Advisor, Inter/National Representative, and Conduct Administrator |
| 2021 | Jayde Ware, Iowa State University – Tap, Tap, Tap In: How Buy-in Helps Reshape Prevention & Accountability in a Virtual World |
| 2020 | Christina Parle: 15 Reasons Our Actions are Incongruent with our Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion “Values” |
| 2019 | Nicholas Hudson, Ed.D.: Community Cultural Wealth & Funds of Knowledge at the Center of Advisement |
| 2018 | Nicholas Hudson, Ed.D.: Undocumented and Greek – What Does Support Look Like? |
| 2017 | Tara Fuller: Professional Fears of Truthfulness & Accountability |
| 2016 | Tara Fuller: I’m a Sorority Woman, but I’m not Straight |
| 2015 | Michelle Marchand: Wife Swap: Fraternity/Sorority Professionals Edition |
| 2014 | Noah Borton & Haley Seeley: What If We Are the Problem |
| 2013 | Nathan Arrowsmith & Stevie V. Tran: Title IX Empowers Fraternities to Include Transgender Members |
| 2012 | Justin Angotti, Amy Colvin, Christine Loy, Kim Novak, Wes Schaub, Alex Snowden, & Dave Westol: Risk Management Case Studies |
| 2011 | John DiSarro: Using Restorative Circles to Resolve a Fraternal Crisis |
| 2010 | Dan Bureau: Making Your Mark on the Fraternal Relevance Movement |
| 2009 | Colleen Rose & Leslie Fasone: Fostering Ethical and Moral Development of Fraternity and Sorority Members Through Service |
| 2008 | John Shertzer: Reclaiming Leadership |
