Outstanding Contribution to Higher Education Award

Supporting the Profession

Award Type: national

The Outstanding Contribution to Higher Education Award honors an individual or organization whose work has made a meaningful national or international impact on student affairs and higher education. Recipients stand out amongst their peers through sustained accomplishments and significant contributions spanning the course of their career or organizational history, with impacts felt beyond an institution or moment in time. NASPA celebrates them as leaders in advancing excellence in student affairs and higher education.

The 2027 Outstanding Contribution to Higher Education Award is accepting nominations from July 29, 2026 through October 1, 2026.

NOMINATE

Award Criteria

Advocates for student affairs within the higher education context, nationally or internationally. Evaluated by years of advocacy and scale of audience (local, state/regional, national, international).

Has provided sustained service with meaningful impact on higher education. Evaluated by scale of impact over span of career or organizational history (national, international).

Stands out amongst peers through their accomplishments and contributions over a significant period of time. All nominees must demonstrate accomplishments without inconsistency and not just recently.

Any NASPA member may nominate an individual or organization for this award. Nominations for this award are also solicited from the NASPA Board of Directors.

2026 Current Recipient

2026 | Achieving the Dream

Outstanding Contribution to Higher Education Award

Past Recipients

2025 | Doris Michiko Ching

Outstanding Contribution to Higher Education Award

Vice President for Student Affairs (retired)
University of Hawaii at Manoa

2024 | Tia Brown McNair

Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Student Success and Executive Director for the TRHT Campus Centers
American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U)

2023 | Shaun Harper

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