Student Affairs Staff and Students Win Regional Awards

University of Arkansas employees and students received awards at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators awards during the regional conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, last month.

Marsha Norvell, executive assistant to the vice provost for student affairs, was named NUFP Champion for the region. The National Undergraduate Fellows Program Champion award is presented to an individual who, among other things, has supported NUFP students and the program at the local, regional and national level.

The mission of National Undergraduate Fellows Program is to increase the number of historically disenfranchised and underrepresented professionals in student affairs and/or higher education, including but not limited to those of racial and ethnic-minority background; those having a disability; and those identifying as LGBTQ.

Norvell has been with the University of Arkansas for 25 years. She has been involved with National Undergraduate Fellows Program for more than 13 years.

“We have had more than 50 students go through our NUFP program on campus,” Norvell said.  “I coordinate the program with two other staff members, and I get the joy of seeing our students succeed in the field. This award means so much to me because it has allowed me to build long lasting relationships with students who then become professionals in the field. I truly believe the NUFP program changes lives for the better.”

“Marsha Norvell has played an instrumental role in our commitment to diversifying our profession, “ said Danny Pugh, vice provost for student affairs. “The NUFP program at the University of Arkansas is recognized nationally as a leading program for stewarding historically underrepresented students to becoming student affairs professionals.  Marsha has poured her heart into these students who now serve in various higher education leadership positions around the country.  She has truly made a difference in the lives of these students and enhanced our profession.“

Samantha Fehr, coordinator of traditional commuter programs for off campus connections, received the new professional rising star award at the 2014 regional conference. At the 2013 conference, Fehr presented an educational session and attended the New Professionals Institute.

Everrett Smith, doctoral assistant for the office of the vice provost for student affairs, won the graduate student rising star award.  Smith attended the 2014 national conference, 2014 regional conference and is a member of the assessment, evaluation and research knowledge community.

Shaquille Lowe, senior computer science major, resident assistant and new student and family programs clerical assistant, won the undergraduate rising star award. Lowe is a national undergraduate fellow in the national undergraduate fellow program affiliated with NASPA and NUFP institute participant.

The Rising Star Awards were created by NASPA IV-West to recognize achievement, involvement, and potential in our emerging and future student affairs professionals.

The new professional rising star award is presented to a new professional from each state in NASPA IV-West who meets certain criteria.  The person must be in the profession less than three years, employed in a full-time position with a division of student affairs, significant contribution to his or her campus and preference given to masters-prepared individuals.

The graduate student rising star award is presented to a graduate student from each state in NASPA IV-West and must also meet a certain criteria.  The student must be currently pursuing masters or doctoral work in a student affairs-related degree program, with intention of pursuing a career within student affairs, involvement in campus activities and organizations, campus leadership and graduate assistantship, paraprofessional or internship employment within a student affairs division.

The undergraduate rising star award is presented to an undergraduate student from each state in NASPA IV-West who meets certain requirements. The student must be involved in campus activities and organizations, current enrollment in an undergraduate program with junior or senior status, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, campus leadership, paraprofessional employment with a division of student affairs and Intentions of pursuing a student affairs-related advanced degree.

The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Founded in 1919, NASPA is comprised of 13,000 members from all 50 states, 25 countries, and 8 U.S. territories. Region IV-W consists of ten states and two Canadian provinces including:  Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Manitoba, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Saskatchewan, South Dakota and Wyoming.