Division of Student Affairs Wins Awards at Regional Conference

Members of the Division of Student Affairs were big winners at the National Association for Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Region IV-West Conference held this past week in Rapid City, South Dakota. NASPA is the leading professional association for the advancement of student affairs.

Danny Pugh, vice provost for student affairs and dean of students was honored with the James J. Rhatigan Outstanding Dean Award.

“In academia, we often talk about standing on the shoulders of giants. Well, there might be no greater giants in our field than Dr. Rhatigan and those who have been previous recipients. Knowing that one of my personal mentors and closest friends, Dr. Tom Goodale, was a recipient makes this infinitely more special, as does knowing that I continue a legacy of senior student affairs officers from Arkansas to have won the award. (Lyle A. Gohn, former UA vice chancellor for student services won the award in 1998). I am deeply touched by the comments of those who nominated me for recognition,” Pugh said. “I know they fully understand that my success is merely a reflection of the wonderful staff whom I have had the privilege of serving along side, the mentors who have graciously touched my life with their wisdom, and my wife and sons who so freely give of themselves to be part of this academic community.”

Pugh received the award for his dedicated service to student affairs work, as well as his effectiveness and innovation to meet the varied and emerging needs of students. This award grants him eligibility for the NASPA national award annual conference that will be held in Orlando, Fla., March 16-20 2013.

Staff and students in the Division of Student Affairs also took several categories of the “Rising Star” award — Undergraduate, Graduate, and New Professionals.

Amanda Finch, a staff member with the Center for Community Engagement, was awarded the NASPA Rising Star New Professional for her work with the CCE. The award is given to an individual with less than 3 years in their profession who has already made a major impact.

Ivy Mullen, a graduate assistant in the CCE was awarded the NASPA Rising Star Graduate Student Award. The award is given to an individual currently pursuing masters or doctoral work related to Student Affairs, whose involvement in campus activities and organizations is outstanding.

Abigail Brumfield, an undergraduate student who works in New Student and Family Programs, was awarded the NASPA Rising Star Undergraduate Award for her work and studies in student affairs at the UA. The award is given to an individual who shows campus involvement and leadership with the intent to pursue a Student Affairs-related advanced degree.

NASPA Region IV-West includes colleges from: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming, as well as Arkansas.