Bobby E. Leach Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award

Supporting the Profession Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice
Application Deadline: October 6, 2023 | Award Type: national

This award honors a senior student affairs professional or faculty member who has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion throughout their administrative or academic tenure. This award is named in honor of the first person of color to serve as NASPA president and who was also the first African American Administrator at Florida State University.  Dr. Leach’s life and career was dedicated to bringing people of different backgrounds together for the purpose of promoting equality for all.

Nominations for the 2023 Bobby E. Leach Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award have closed. The application for 2024 will open on August 23, 2023 with a deadline of October 6, 2023.

Nominate

2023 Current Recipient

Headshot photo of Kinyata Adams Brown

Kinyata Adams Brown

Associate Dean for Engagement, Diversity, & Inclusive Excellence
Winthrop University

Award Criteria

Any NASPA member may nominate an individual for this award.

Below are the criteria that the Selections and Awards Committee of the NASPA Board of Directors will use to evaluate the nominees.

  • Strong and sustained record of professional and/or civic involvement in activities that promote diversity, and inclusion in education and/or the community
  • Actively engaged in advocating for, and advancing, diversity and inclusion in the profession through one’s administrative and/or academic work
  • Reputation for taking a stand on critical issues related to diversity, and inclusion even at risk to one’s reputation and vocation
  • An individual whose work has “broken barriers” and in so doing has served as a role model, and helped to facilitate employment and educational access and opportunity, for others from diverse backgrounds
  • Active NASPA membership

Past Recipients

Maria Genao-Homs Headshot

2022 | Maria Genao-Homs

Bobby E. Leach Equity Diversity and Inclusion Award

Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion
Hamilton College

2021 | Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington

2021 | Bobby E. Leach Equity Diversity and Inclusion Award


Washington Consulting Group

Terrell Headshot

2020 | Melvin Cleveland Terrell

2020 Bobby E. Leach Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award

Vice President Emeritus
Northeastern Illinois University

2019 | Shaun R. Harper

Race and Equity Center Founder & Executive Director; Provost Professor of Education and Business; Clifford and Betty Allen Chair in Urban Leadership
University of Southern California

2018 | Doris Ching

Interim Chancellor
University of Hawai'i, West Oahu