NASPA South Carolina

The Commitment to Inclusive Excellence award recognizes a professional’s efforts to advance diversity and inclusion in education. Nominee should:

• be recognized by students and colleagues as an advocate who takes a stand on critical issues related to diversity, and inclusion,
• provided leadership and direction in fostering a culture of respect for multicultural values and the acceptance of individual and group differences.

The winner must be member of NASPA South Carolina. NASPA South Carolina membership is determined by an individual having a NASPA membership that is connected to South Carolina address. Nominees are encouraged to have an active NASPA membership by April 1, 2024.

PAST AWARD WINNERS

• 2023- Sonia Badesha
• 2023- Melissa Brannen
• 2022- Florencia Cornet

The purpose of this award is to recognize a professional’s work at the campus level in the area of student programs. The nominee should have:

• Made contributions above and beyond the assigned duties of their position,
• A commitment to personalized student experiences and evidence of successful efforts in humanizing the campus community,
• High quality interaction with individual students and student groups
• Consistently give time and effort towards counseling, advising and supporting students. 

The winner must be member of NASPA South Carolina. NASPA South Carolina membership is determined by an individual having a NASPA membership that is connected to South Carolina address. Nominees are encouraged to have an active NASPA membership by April 1, 2024.

PAST AWARD WINNERS

2023- N/A

2022- N/A

The Outstanding HBCU/MSI Professional award recognizes an individual member with demonstrated leadership and commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), minority serving institutions, and/or the profession. Nominees should have:

• made significant contributions to in advocacy for HBCU/MSI,
• exhibits care in creating a campus environment that promotes student learning and personal development
• be currently employed at an HBCU/MSI in South Carolina with at least two years of HBCU/MSI experience.

The winner must be member of NASPA South Carolina. NASPA South Carolina membership is determined by an individual having a NASPA membership that is connected to South Carolina address. Nominees are encouraged to have an active NASPA membership by April 1, 2024.

PAST AWARD WINNERS

2023- N/A

2022- N/A

The Outstanding Graduate Professional award recognizes the outstanding contributions by a graduate student, master's or doctoral level in a student affairs or related degree. The award is not for individuals currently employed full-time while also completing a graduate degree. Nominees should have:

• made a significant contribution to their campus,
• demonstrated academic achievement,
• exceeded the expectations of their respective leadership positions,
• assumed a leadership role at their institution and demonstrated an interest in the field of student affairs, and/or in higher education.
• a graduate assistantship or internship experience in a student affairs department. 

The winner must be member of NASPA South Carolina. NASPA South Carolina membership is determined by an individual having a NASPA membership that is connected to South Carolina address. Nominees are encouraged to have an active NASPA membership by April 1, 2024.

PAST AWARD WINNERS

2023- Deja Kenion

2022- Jasmine Carter

The Outstanding New Professional award recognizes outstanding contributions by a higher education and student affairs professional within their first three years of full-time employment. Nominees should have:

• demonstrated initiative,
• contributed to programs that address the needs of students and the institution,
• created campus environments that promote student learning and personal development.

The winner must be member of NASPA South Carolina. NASPA South Carolina membership is determined by an individual having a NASPA membership that is connected to South Carolina address. Nominees are encouraged to have an active NASPA membership by April 1, 2024.

PAST AWARD WINNERS

2023- N/A

2022- Patrick Riccards

The Outstanding Service as HESA Faculty award recognizes the consistent and exemplary teaching and mentorship of graduate students in higher education and student affairs programs at South Carolina colleges and universities. Nominees should:

• have a record of scholarly achievement through publications and conference presentations,
• made significant efforts to collaborate with students on publications or conference presentations,
• be recognized as a mentor by students entering the profession.

The winner must be member of NASPA South Carolina. NASPA South Carolina membership is determined by an individual having a NASPA membership that is connected to South Carolina address.  Nominees are encouraged to have an active NASPA membership by April 1, 2024. 

PAST AWARD WINNERS

2023- Dr. Debbie Conner

2022- N/A

The Outstanding Technical College Professional award recognizes an individual member with demonstrated leadership and commitment to technical colleges in South Carolina, and/or the profession. The nominee should have:

• made significant contributions in advocacy for SC Technical Colleges and their students,
• exhibits care in creating a campus environment that promotes student learning and personal development
• be currently employed at a SC Technical College with at least two years of community or technical college experience.

The winner must be member of NASPA South Carolina. NASPA South Carolina membership is determined by an individual having a NASPA membership that is connected to South Carolina address. Nominees are encouraged to have an active NASPA membership by April 1, 2024.

PAST AWARD WINNERS

2023- N/A

2022- Austin Floyd

The Outstanding College or University Senior Leadership Team recognizes the strength of the relationship and combined efforts of the College or University President, Senior Student Affairs Officer and Senior Academic Affairs Officer to positively influence the quality of student life on campus. The nominees should:

• be recognized by constituents, especially students, as collaborative, effective, and inspirational,
• each have a record of publications, speeches, and remarks that recognize the value and importance of student life to the overall mission higher education,

Additionally, the nominees' should have directed their efforts to significantly impact one of the following areas of the student experience:   

• Academic Advising, Career Services, Graduate Programs and Services, Professional Services
• Alumni, Community Relations, Family Programs, Fundraising
• Athletics, Recreation, Counseling, Health, Wellness
• Assessment, Persistence, Data Analytics
• Campus Security, Crisis Management, Student Conduct and Community Standards, Violence Prevention
• Civic Learning, Democratic Engagement, Service-Learning
• Commuter, Off-Campus, Military-Connected, Non-traditional
• Contracted/Auxiliary Services, Housing, Residence Life
• Enrollment management, financial aid, orientation, and first-year programs
• Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice
• Fraternity and Sorority Life, Leadership, Student Activities, Student Unions 

The leadership team must be from a NASPA institutional member. Nomination submissions must include nominee information (Senior Student Affairs Officer, Senior Academic Officer and President), summary statement detailing college or university leaders’ efforts to positively impact student life and advance the mission of student affairs related to a specific focus areas and biographies of College/University leaders (uploaded as additional documentation).

PAST AWARD WINNERS

2023- Dr. Bennie Harris

2022- N/A

The NASPA South Carolina Program of Distinction Award highlights innovative initiatives that relate to the programs, policies, procedures, best practices, or services provide by South Carolina colleges and universities to impact students in one of the following areas:

• Academic Advising, Career Services, Graduate Programs and Services, Professional Services
• Alumni, Community Relations, Family Programs, Fundraising
• Athletics, Recreation, Counseling, Health, Wellness
• Assessment, Persistence, Data Analytics
• Campus Security, Crisis Management, Student Conduct and Community Standards, Violence Prevention
• Civic Learning, Democratic Engagement, Service-Learning
• Commuter, Off-Campus, Military-Connected, Non-traditional
• Contracted/Auxiliary Services, Housing, Residence Life
• Enrollment management, financial aid, orientation, and first-year programs
• Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice
• Fraternity and Sorority Life, Leadership, Student Activities, Student Unions 

Nominations for the Program of Distinction must include nominee information, summary statement detailing program’s impact on student success, relevance to student affairs mission, and application of research, theory, or assessment. The additional documentation category can be used to share assessment data, or other relevant information.  

At least one person associated with the nomination must be a NASPA South Carolina member. NASPA South Carolina membership is determined by an individual having a NASPA membership that is connected to South Carolina address. Nominee(s) are encouraged to have an active NASPA membership by April 1, 2024.

PAST AWARD WINNERS

2023- On Your Time, University of South Carolina

2023- Soulful Sunday, University of South Carolina- Upstate

2022- N/A

M.Ed. in Student Affairs

The Master of Education in Student Affairs program provides students with a transformative learning experience founded on theory-to-practice. In producing practitioner-scholars, the faculty combine in-class learning with graduate assistantships / full-time employment enhanced with practicum and internship experiences. The programs strong network of alumni help foster connections across the field and in and beyond the region. Students leave with the skills they need to successfully support students with strong collaboration, leadership, and communication skills based in theory and ethical practice. Learn More

Ph.D in Educational Leadership

Clemson’s Ph.D. program in educational leadership in higher education focuses on developing professionals’ knowledge and research abilities in this applied multi- and interdisciplinary field. Because many of the higher education Ph.D. students in this field remain connected to their professional roles, this program is paced to accommodate each student’s timeframe while ensuring steady progress to degree completion. Learn More

Ph.D in Education

The Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Education is an advanced graduate program in the Spadoni College of Education. This program will involve students in developing the breadth and depth of understandings, skills, and dispositions through study in one of three specialization areas (Educational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment). In addition, Ph.D. candidates will become well versed in the foundations of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research. The curricula will also involve the selection of cognate and elective courses, and completion of dissertation hours. Identified courses in both the specialization and cognate areas may be co-taught to interrelate key conceptual understandings. Learn More

M. Ed. in Higher Education Administration

Columbia College designed the curriculum for the M. Ed. in Higher Education to impart the essential knowledge necessary for professional advancement through a variety of administrative positions and departments. The program focuses on a global view of higher education. Students gain knowledge in governance, organization of higher education, leadership, student affairs, enrollment management, finance, critical issues facing higher education, and the law. The breadth of courses equips students to be competent, confident leaders across many departments at the institution. Learn More

M.Ed. in Student Affairs & College Counseling

The Master of Education in Counselor Education program in Student Affairs & College Counseling is designed for adults who are already working in or want to enter institutions of higher education. Students who successfully complete the program will obtain a graduate degree in counselor education: student affairs and college counseling. Learn More

M.Ed Higher Education Leadership (Online)

The Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership degree features a 36-hour program of study designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles in post-secondary educational settings, including four-year colleges and universities, community and technical colleges, and related educational organizations. The program provides a broad preparation in higher education leadership, including specialized coursework in higher education organization and governance, student affairs, finance, and strategic planning. Learn More

M.Ed. in Higher Education & Student Affairs

The Master’s Degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) combines a rigorous program of study with opportunities for in-depth practical experience suited to dedicated individuals seeking professional careers in higher education administration and the administration of college student services and activities. Learn More

Ph.D in Higher Education Administration

The Ph.D. Degree in Higher Education Administration is designed to prepare professional academic leaders in colleges and universities whose practical knowledge is enhanced by inquiry and scholarship. Students engage in a range of academic coursework to prepare them to assume advanced leadership positions, including coursework in the history, philosophy, financial, legal, and governance aspects of higher education. Learn More