Kenneth Black Jr., Journal Author Award

Program Description

Established in 1988 by the Foundation for Financial Service Professionals, the Kenneth Black Jr. Journal Author Award honors the top three articles published each year in the Journal of Financial Service Professionals. Named after Dr. Kenneth Black Jr., CLU— who served as the Journal’s editor from 1959 to 2001— the award was created to encourage innovative research, strengthen industry knowledge, and elevate the quality of financial services writing.

Each year, an independent panel of judges evaluates articles based on four key criteria:

• Originality of the research
• Clarity of the writing
• Timeliness of the topic
• Relevance to the Journal’s readership

The top three authors receive monetary awards of $1,500, $1,000, and $500, respectively. All articles considered for the award must be published in the six regular issues of the Journal within a single calendar year

How to Participate

Authors, scholars, and practitioners are encouraged to submit original manuscripts for consideration. Submissions must be between 2,000 and 8,000 words and must not have been published elsewhere. Each manuscript undergoes a blind peer-review process to ensure impartiality and maintain the integrity of the selection process.

Winning articles not only earn national recognition but also help shape the future of financial services by contributing to the Journal’s respected body of knowledge.

To be considered for publication in the Journal, completed manuscripts should be submitted to kbtacchino@widener.edu and kjohnson@naifa.org.

2025 RECIPIENTS