FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Monica Holland, assistant dean of students at the University of Arkansas, has been honored by the Association for Student Judicial Affairs with its New Professional of the Year Award.

Holland was given the award at the ASJA 2006 International Conference held Feb. 8-12 in Clearwater, Fla.

Holland has been assistant dean of students at the university since October 2004. She previously worked as an academic counselor with the Educational Talent Search. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Arkansas Tech University at Russellville; a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Arkansas, and is currently working on her doctorate in adult education.

“The award is a great honor, and I am incredibly humbled by it all. It is always rewarding to know I have the respect of people I admire,” Holland said. “The award provides me with continued motivation to be productive and intentional within the field of student affairs, judicial affairs and with the students with whom I interact.”

Holland did not know she was nominated and had to return to Fayetteville before the end of the conference, so was not there to receive the award. “It was a complete surprise,” she said. “They called me on the phone and told me about it. I didn’t even know I was nominated.”

In one of the several nomination letters sent by peers, students and supervisors, Aisha Kenner, associate dean of students, wrote: “Monica handles her many responsibilities with a maturity that is beyond her years. She truly cares for all students and wants them all to succeed in their personal and professional lives.”

“Monica is the consummate developmental specialist,” said Dan Pugh, dean of students. “She always strives to find the most educational response for the student and those affected by their decisions. She is, and will continue to be, a real asset to the University of Arkansas.”

“She exemplifies a dedication to students and a creative capacity that is unsurpassed,” Kenner said.

The Association of Student Judicial Affairs has 1,200 members representing 750 institutions of higher education. This year's conference theme, "Framing the Dialogue: Inspiring Integrity & Character in an Age of Entitlement" recognized the critical role student judicial affairs professionals play in the everyday life of institutions, bringing to mind the importance of engaging students around the quality of their decisions and the outcomes of their actions.