Each year the History & Geography Department recognizes its outstanding students. The W. Frank Steely Award, named for the university's first president and currently a faculty member in the department, is presented to the graduating history or social studies/secondary education major who best exemplifies scholarship, historical awareness, and involvement in department activities. The Senior Award in Geography goes to the outstanding graduating senior in Geography. And the department chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the international history honor society, presents the Jeffrey A. Smith Memorial Award to the author of the best article published in its journal, Perspectives in History.

The H. Lew Wallace Award, established in memory of the department's first chairman, is presented to an outstanding junior history major; the award is in the form of a gift certificate to the Northern Kentucky University Bookstore.

Starting in the Fall 1998 Semester, the department will present the Mark R. Herrmann Scholarship to a deserving history major. This scholarship was established through the generosity of Mrs. Dorothy Herrmann in memory of her son.

2003
Mark R. Herrmann History Scholarship:Mr. Stephen Tully
W. Frank Steely Award in History/Social Studies: Ms. Leigh Ann Ripley
H. Lew Wallace Junior History Award: Mr. Stephen Tully
Community Service Award: Mr. Ryan Springer

2001
Senior Award in Geography: Ms. Susan T. Fruitticher
W. Frank Steely Award (Outstanding History or Social Studies Graduate): Mr. Brian K. Puddy
H. Lew Wallace Award (Outstanding Junior History Major): Ms. Deborah Bogel
Mark R. Herrmann History Scholarship: Ms. Deborah Bogel

2000
Senior Award in Geography: Ms. Julie Clair
W. Frank Steely Award (Outstanding History Graduate): Mr. Christopher M. Scherff
H. Lew Wallace Award (Outstanding Junior History Major): Ms. Rhonda K. Vrabel
Mark R. Herrmann History Scholarship: Ms. Theresa Geisen
W. Frank Steely Freshman History Scholarship: Mr. Nicholas S. Brauer
Jeffrey Smith Memorial Award (Outstanding article in Perspectives in History , 1988-89): Mr. William Landon and Mr. Rick Trump
 

1999
W. Frank Steely Award: Mr. Rick Trump
H. Lew Wallace: No award given
Mark R. Herrmann Scholarship: Ms. Dawn Ward

1998
W. Frank Steely Award: Ms. Jennifer L. Schmidt
H. Lew Wallace Award: Mr. Thomas J. May
Mark R. Herrmann Scholarship: Ms. Carrie Beth Mayer