" I had a dream, and that dream came true and is still .happening" stated Aurie Gosnell, first appointed as President of NIC in 1968. She had a vision to develop a National Examination so that all of the states across the United States could issue the same written theory test based on universal questions in cosmetology and be sponsored by NIC.

Aurie presented her idea to the NIC delegates at the 1969 conference held in Hawaii. Thirteen states approved the concept and supported her vision for a national testing program. Aurie met with the Phsycological Testing Corporation of New York and Milady Publishing Company, and her dream became a reality. The first cosmetology test was administered in 1970 and has grown into the national organization we are today. Aurie was bestowed the honor of Coordination of Testing Emeritus in 2002, and was a lifetime member who continued to work with, and provide information to the NIC examination committee. NIC honors Aurie and all that she has done for NIC, and we carry on her legacy through the Aurie J. Gosnell Scholarship Award.