Established in 1991 by family and friends in honor of Drs. Fred and Joyce Snyder, the award is given to a student who has completed a dissertation that adds significantly to the educational administration body of knowledge. Dr. Fred Snyder served as a faculty member for the department of educational administration for more than twenty years and was the Chairman of the department at the time of his death in 1987. Dr. Joyce Snyder served for many years as principal with the Vigo County School Corporation. Final selection is made by a faculty committee appointed by the chair of the department.