Robert H. Shaffer Award for Academic Excellence as a Graduate Faculty Member

Supporting the Profession New Professionals and Graduate Students Faculty

Award Type: national

Established in 1986, this award, named for a Dean and Professor Emeritus at Indiana University, is presented to a full-time faculty member in a graduate preparation program in student affairs who has demonstrated excellence over a sustained career in teaching. Each Robert H. Shaffer Award recipient has inspired graduate students and served on doctoral dissertation committees; has a distinguished record of scholarly achievement, including publication in relevant literature; and has made significant contributions to professional associations.

Nominations have closed for the 2027 Robert H. Shaffer Award for Academic Excellence as a Graduate Faculty Member. The application for 2028 will open at the end of July 2027.

NOMINATE

Award Criteria

Sustained career as a full-time teaching faculty in student affairs graduate preparation program. All nominees must have 10+ years as a full-time professor/instructor in student affairs higher education programs.

Responsible for teaching graduate or professional school students who generally pursue careers in higher education administration and student affairs. All nominees must teach graduate students annually who generally pursue careers in higher education administration and student affairs.

Consistent and excellent mentorship of graduate students. Evaluated by few to numerous graduate students and continued involvement as mentor into their careers.

Solid record of scholarly achievement in appropriate journals, publications, and conference presentations, and/or creative activities (i.e. articles, creative works, co-edited books, solo edited books, book chapters, white and policy papers, etc.). Evaluated by number of examples and variety of outlets.

Significant contributions to professional associations, including NASPA. Evaluated by breadth and depth of engagement across multiple opportunities within NASPA or other professional organization.

Establishes a culture of engagement in professional associations, including NASPA, as foundational to professional development of graduate students. All nominees should support program submission, speaking engagements, and publication as essential to professional development.

Any NASPA member may nominate an individual for this award.