The Joseph T. Sutton Leadership Award was created in 1992 to recognize Alabamians who have demonstrated leadership and outstanding accomplishment in institutional research and related fields. The Award was named in honor of Dr. Joseph T. Sutton, the first individual recognized by the Alabama Association for Institutional Research (ALAIR) for his professional accomplishments and leadership. Dr. Sutton retired as Executive Director of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education in 1990, after a career that included service as a faculty member and director of the first Office of Institutional Research at the University of Alabama. He was present at the charter meeting of the Association for Institutional Research and helped found the Southern University Group (SUG), which paved the way for establishment of the Southern Association for Institutional Research (SAIR). Dr. Sutton passed away on October 21, 2004.