The Rising Star Award celebrates the extraordinary promise of those early in their HIM journey. This award honors the gifted student or emerging professional whose energy, creativity, and drive signal something special — someone who doesn’t just see the future of health information management, but is actively building it. If you know someone like that, this award was made for them.

Eligibility

• Active AHIMA and TxHIMA member
• Student currently enrolled in a CAHIIM-accredited HIA or HIT program, or graduated within the last three months; OR
• HIM professional credentialed within the last 5 years

What We’re Looking For

• Demonstrated potential for leadership, innovation, creativity, and administrative capacity
• A professional who embodies great hope for the future of HIM

Potential Nominators Include

• AHIMA and state/local association leaders, AHIMA Fellows, and HIM professionals who have distinguished themselves as leaders in the field

The Legacy Award is the pinnacle of TxHIMA recognition. It is reserved for an active member who has not simply participated in the HIM profession, but has shaped it — someone whose sustained contributions across multiple domains have left a mark that will be felt long after their tenure. This is a rare honor, and it is given to those who have truly earned it.

Eligibility

• Active AHIMA and TxHIMA member
• Sustained, meritorious contributions in more than one areas

Areas of Contribution

• Exemplary Service: A record of meaningful volunteer leadership — elected and appointed — that has elevated TxHIMA and the broader HIM community
• Outstanding Achievement in Practice: Demonstrated impact leading change in healthcare aligned with HIM — representing TxHIMA at the local, state, and national level
• Leadership in Education: Sustained contributions to advancing HIM education, mentoring emerging leaders, and fostering meaningful participation in TxHIMA’s volunteer structure
• Research & Publications: Original research, authorship, editing, or editorial board service that has advanced the HIM profession through knowledge and scholarship

Behind every successful TxHIMA initiative, conference, and committee, there are dedicated volunteers who give their time, skills, and heart — without seeking recognition. The Volunteer Award exists precisely to change that. It is our way of saying: we see you, we are grateful, and your service has made a difference.

Eligibility

• Active AHIMA and TxHIMA member
• Cumulative minimum of 3 years of volunteer service within the last 10 years
• Service demonstrated across a variety of roles — officer, director, committee chair, task force chair, and/or committee member

What We’re Looking For

• Consistent, exceptional volunteer service that has meaningfully advanced the mission of TxHIMA
• Frequent presentations at local or TxHIMA workshops, meetings, seminars, or conferences on a volunteer basis

The Educator Award honors the faculty and instructors who dedicate themselves to preparing the HIM professionals of tomorrow. Teaching is leadership of a different kind — patient, persistent, and transformational. This award recognizes those who go beyond the curriculum to inspire, challenge, and champion their students.

Eligibility

• Active AHIMA and TxHIMA member
• Holds an AHIMA credential
• Instructor in a CAHIIM-accredited HIA or HIT program in Texas (associate, baccalaureate, or master’s level)
• Individual instructors or an entire department of educators may be nominated

What We’re Looking For

• Has presented at the TxHIMA Conference or a local association (proof of presentations required)
• Actively promotes student success, program enrollment, and meaningful student engagement
• Demonstrates active listening, patience, adaptability, and creative teaching approaches
• Has established innovative teaching tools and learning methods that resonate beyond the classroom
• Understands and honors their role as a mentor, role model, and catalyst for the profession