ACES founder and chair to be honored at NU Foundation Gala for her work in autism services, education and research
SAN DIEGO, CA (September 22, 2026) — National University (NU), a Veteran-founded nonprofit university, today announced that Kristin Farmer, founder and chair of Autism Comprehensive Educational Services (ACES), will receive the 2026 National University Humanitarian of the Year Award in recognition of her contributions to autism services, education, research and evidence-based care.
Farmer will be honored at the 2026 NU Foundation Gala aboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego on Friday, Oct. 2. The gala recognizes individuals and organizations for their contributions to their communities and raises funds to provide National University students with scholarships, emergency assistance and other resources.
“Kristin spent nearly three decades finding better ways to support individuals with autism and their families, while also helping move the field forward through education, research and collaboration,” said Dr. Mark Milliron, president and CEO of National University. “From ACES to her partnerships with universities and researchers, she helped bring together people and ideas to address some of the field’s most important challenges. Her commitment to helping others learn, grow and contribute makes her an especially fitting recipient of this award.”
Farmer founded ACES in 1996 after developing an educational model for students with autism. What began as a classroom model grew into an organization with more than 80 locations across nine states. Through ACES, Farmer helped establish approaches that emphasize individualized care, measurable outcomes and collaboration across disciplines.
National University has long been a part of Farmer’s professional journey. She was part of the first cohort of NU’s Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program while working and expecting her first child, making her an ANDer™ whose own experience reflects the students the university serves. She has remained connected to NU and encouraged professionals in the field to pursue additional education and training through the university.
Her work has also taken her beyond the autism field. Farmer serves on the board of Connect Our Kids and supports organizations and initiatives focused on research, human development, well-being and belonging. She also mentors entrepreneurs and works to bring people and organizations together around new approaches to challenges facing individuals and communities.
Farmer’s relationship with the University of North Texas has also remained an important part of her story. She pursued graduate studies there on scholarship and has said she found her calling in the field during that time. In 2012, the Kristin Farmer Autism Center opened at UNT following five years of collaboration with Farmer. The center focuses on autism diagnostics, research and training. She has also supported research at UC San Diego, including work focused on developing tools for earlier diagnosis of autism.
“I’m honored to receive the National University Humanitarian of the Year Award,” said Kristin Farmer. “For me, the most meaningful work has always started with a simple question: What can we do better? Whether that means rethinking how we support a family, creating new approaches to research or bringing the right people together around a shared goal, I believe there is always room to learn, grow and do more.”
The National University Humanitarian of the Year Award recognizes individuals whose leadership and service have made significant contributions to their communities. T. Denny Sanford was the inaugural recipient of the award. A longtime National University partner, Sanford helped advance initiatives across education, educator preparation, nonprofit leadership and student support, including Sanford Learning, the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy, the Sanford College of Education and the Sanford Family Clubhouse.
Following Sanford’s passing in July, the 2026 NU Foundation Gala will also feature a special tribute honoring his life, legacy and contributions to National University and communities around the world. Read more about Sanford’s longstanding relationship with National University and the programs he helped advance.
Through the National University Foundation, proceeds from the gala will provide students with scholarships, emergency assistance and other resources to help them continue their education and reach their goals.
About National University
National University, a Veteran-founded nonprofit, has been dedicated to meeting the needs of nontraditional, working, and military students by providing accessible, affordable higher education opportunities since 1971. As San Diego’s largest private nonprofit university, NU offers over 150 online and on-campus programs with flexible four-week and eight-week classes and one-to-one graduate education models designed to help students reach their goals while balancing busy lives. Since its founding, the NU community has grown to 130,000 learners served per year — 50,000 degree-seeking students and 80,000 workforce and professional development students — and 255,000 alumni around the globe, many of whom serve in helping industries such as business, education, health care, cybersecurity, and law and criminal justice. To learn more, visit NU.edu.
