The Coal & Energy Division Distinguished Service Award was established in 1989. It is presented to an individual for achievements in the coal mining industry. The award consists of an engraved plaque to be presented at the annual Coal & Energy Division luncheon. Election to this honor is by the Coal & Energy Division Distinguished Service Award Committee with notification to the SME Executive Committee.
- 2024 – J. Eric Shereda
- 2023 – Robert P. Kudlawiec PE
- 2022 – Benjamin R. Hardman
- 2021 – Edward F. Zeglen Jr.
- 2020 – Gregory Erwin Hinshaw
- 2019 – Vladislav Kecojevic
- 2018 – Thomas Novak
- 2017 – Robert Murray
- 2016 – Thomas A. Gray
- 2015 – Joseph C. Zelanko
- 2014 – Susan Bealko
- 2013 – Keith A. Heasley
- 2012 – Jürgen Brune
- 2011 – Michael Nelson
- 2010 – Gary Buchan
- 2009 – Michael A. Trevits
- 2008 – Rick Q. Honaker
- 2007 – J. Steven Gardner
- 2006 – Barbara J. Arnold
- 2005 – George W. Luxbacher
- 2004 – Kelvin K. Wu
- 2003 – R. Larry Grayson
- 2002 – John N. Murphy
- 2001 – Francis Martino
- 2000 – Sukumar Bandopadhyay
- 1999 – Kelvin K. Wu
- 1999 – Christopher J. Bise
- 1998 – Danrick W. Alexander
- 1997 – Stanley C. Suboleski
- 1996 – Madan M. Singh
- 1995 – James W. Boyd
- 1994 – John N. Murphy
- 1993 – Raja V. Ramani
- 1992 – Robert L. Frantz
- 1991 – Richard R. Shockley
- 1990 – William H. Mullins
- 1989 – Louis Kuchinic, Jr.
For more information, please contact SME at awards@smenet.org.