NASPA Foundation Announces 2027 Pillar of the Profession Award Honorees

Washington, DC – September, 14 2026 – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA) is pleased to announce The NASPA Foundation 2027 John L. Blackburn Distinguished Pillars of the Profession and the Pillars of the Profession awards. The awards honor professionals who have provided significant service to NASPA through regional and/or national leadership roles; created a lasting impact on the institutions or organizations at which they have worked, leaving a legacy of extraordinary service recognized by a cross-section of institutional/organizational stakeholders; and/or have demonstrated sustained, lifetime professional distinction in the field of student affairs and/or higher education. 

“We are thrilled to share this year’s distinguished recipients and celebrate their tremendous contributions,” stated Benjamin Williams, NASPA Foundation Board Chair. “These individuals' commitment to higher education has fundamentally impacted their campus communities, our Association, and the students and staff they serve.”

The 2027 John L. Blackburn Distinguished Pillars of the Profession

This is the NASPA Foundation’s highest honor to receive. 

Lori S. White, President, DePauw University 

W. Houston Dougharty, Retired / Consultant, Hofstra University (in memoriam) 

 

2027 Pillars of the Profession 

Jodi Bailey Accavallo, Vice President for Student Affairs, Temple University

Kimberly J. Blea, Interim President, New Mexico Highlands University

Lesley-Ann Brown-Henderson, Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff for Student Affairs, Northwestern University

Deborah Cady Melzer, Vice President for Student Development, Loyola University, Maryland

Laura A. De Veau, Assistant Professor of Practice, Boston College

Francisco Díaz, Associate Vice President for Student Development, William Paterson University

Tammara Durham, Vice Provost for Student Affairs, University of Kansas 

Michelle M. Espino, Associate Professor, University of Maryland

Shannon Gary, Vice President of Student Life, University of San Francisco

Martino Harmon, Vice President for Student Life, University of Michigan

Jenn Kosses, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students, Wentworth Institute of Technology

Karnell McConnell-Black, Vice President for Student Life, Reed College

David A. McKelfresh, Professor Emeritus, Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Amelia Parnell, President, NASPA

Smita S. Ruzicka, Vice President of Student Affairs, Middlebury College

Michael L. Sanseviro, Vice President Emeritus for Student Engagement, Georgia State University

Michelle Van-Ess Grant, Senior Associate Dean of Students, Cornell University

Robin M. Williamson, Vice President for Student Affairs, University of Central Arkansas

 

This year’s Pillar recipients will be formally honored at the 2027 NASPA Annual Conference at National Harbor, Maryland, March 6-10, 2027. The celebration will take place Tuesday, March 9, 2027.

 

About the NASPA Foundation: The NASPA Foundation champions the advancement of the student affairs profession by providing vital support, recognition, and resources to NASPA members. Through research grants, awards, and fellowships, the NASPA Foundation strengthens NASPA in being a thriving, inclusive, and innovative organization for student affairs professionals. Celebrate this year’s Pillars class by donating to the NASPA Foundation in honor of a Pillar. 

About NASPA: Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. NASPA’s work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy, and research for over 13,000 members in all 50 states, 25 countries, and 8 U.S. territories.

Contact: [email protected]