Recognizing Leaders.
Inspiring Generations.
The James F. Jerger Program of Distinction is a prestigious initiative by the American Academy of Audiology, dedicated to recognizing audiologists whose extraordinary work has advanced the profession in meaningful and lasting ways. Named in tribute to Dr. James F. Jerger, the Academy’s founding father, this distinction honors those who carry forward his spirit of leadership, scholarship, and vision.
Potential candidates span every specialty and setting—bold innovators in education, fearless entrepreneurs, dedicated administrators, influential industry voices, relentless advocates, visionary researchers, and transformative mentors. These are the individuals redefining what it means to lead in audiology.
Academy members accepted into the program earn the honor of being named a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (DFAAA). It is a designation that celebrates not only career excellence but a lifelong commitment to progress. This isn’t just a recognition. It’s a reminder that the future of audiology is built on the brilliance of today’s leaders.
Applications for the Summer 2025 cycle will be accepted Thursday, July 17-Thursday, August 21, 2025. Questions about the program can be sent to membership@audiology.org.
Eligibility
Academy members interested in seeking the honor of Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology will have demonstrated excellence in at least three (3) of the following areas of performance.
- Service to the Academy and other audiology-related boards, including State boards
- Advocacy or Policymaking
- Mentorship
- Clinical Expertise
- Community and Public Outreach
- Research or Quality Improvement Initiatives
- Dissemination of Hearing/Balance Information-Publications, Presentations (particularly through Academy conferences and publications)
- Leadership
- Promoting Education in Audiology
- Interprofessional Practice, Education and Leadership
- Military service in Audiology
Detailed descriptions of the Areas of Excellence accepted are provided below. A printable PDF is also available here.
Application Requirements
Applications will be accepted twice a year. All materials will be submitted to the Academy via an online submission process. A dedicated committee will review the applications for each cycle with at least two (2) members evaluating each application.
- At least seven (7) years of experience in the profession of audiology
- Professional Member of the Academy for a at least five (5) consecutive years
- Three (3) Letters of Recommendation – Sent directly from recommenders
- Member Statement addressing at least three (3) areas of outstanding performance from above list detailing how the member’s work is impactful, outstanding, or unusual. The candidate’s outstanding performance should be demonstrated outside of their main employment role. Evidence of at least one contribution/authored work, publication, presentation, public outreach, podcast, other media, etc., should be included to support the application.
- Current CV/Resume including relevant education and certifications.
Areas of Excellence Criteria
Each of the three (3) areas of excellence submitted by the applicant will be reviewed and rated based on the following rubric. The applicant must earn at least twelve (12) points for each area of excellence to be considered for fellowship.
Letters of Recommendation Criteria
How to Apply
Applications are submitted via an online submission process. The steps below outline how to begin the submission process.
- Click the ‘Apply Now’ button to access the online submission system.
- Scroll to the bottom of the web page to create an account.
- Once an account is created, follow the prompts to complete the application and upload the required documentation.
Applicants can return to their applications at any time by logging in to the submission system using the email address and access key assigned when the account was created.
An application fee of $150 will be paid at the end of the online submission process. Those not accepted to the program have the option to reapply within one year of their initial application. The application fee for resubmissions falling within the one-year period of the initial application and reapplication will be waived.
Questions about the online submission process can be sent to membership@audiology.org.
Recognition
Members accepted into the James F. Jerger Program of Distinction will receive a digital badge and certificate at the time earned. They will also be recognized via email, on Academy social media, as well as acknowledgement at the annual AAA convention.
Members with the DFAAA designation are encouraged to celebrate their achievement by listing DFAAA in their signature lines, CVs, and resumes. Below are examples of appropriate ways to cite DFAAA.
In a signature line or document such as an email or professional business card:
First Name, Last Name, AuD, DFAAA
On a CV or Resume:
Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (DFAAA)
There is not a separate fee associated with maintaining the DFAAA designation. Members with the DFAAA designation will be expected to maintain membership within the Academy and can only use DFAAA associated with their name while maintaining professional membership.
Legacy Fellows
To honor those who have already made significant contributions to the Academy through the Academy’s creation and/or by serving at the highest level, all founders and past presidents who continue to be Professional Members of the Academy as of January 1, 2025 will automatically be considered Distinguished Fellows of the American Academy of Audiology.
