University of Arkansas Has Strong Showing at Regional Student Affairs Conference

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Staff and administrators from the University of Arkansas pose for a photo at the NASPA Region IV-West conference.

The University of Arkansas picked up more awards than any other institution at the conference at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Region IV-West conference, which was held Nov. 5-7 in Hot Springs.

NASPA is an international organization for student affairs professionals in higher education. The Region IV-West conference included representation from New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas.

"It is very humbling to be recognized by your peers for excellence in leadership to the profession and creating the next generation of best practices for programs and services in support of student success," said Danny Pugh, vice provost for student affairs. "We have such a strong team of seasoned and new professionals, exceptional faculty in the Higher Education program, and outstanding graduate students. These awards clearly identify the Division of Student Affairs as a leader in our profession and clearly showcase our being a professional destination for those wishing to become the best in their profession. The University of Arkansas and our students deserve nothing less."

With five individual awards, the University of Arkansas took home more awards than any other institution at the conference.

Katie Johnson, senior, received an Undergraduate Rising Star Award, and Michael McAllister, counselor in residence education, received a New Professional Rising Star Award.

Angela Oxford, director of center for community engagement, received the Outstanding Mid-Level Professional Award for Region IV-West.

John Murry, associate professor of higher education, received the Outstanding Faculty Member Award for Region IV-West.

G. David Gearhart, chancellor, received the Presidential Excellence Award for Region IV-West.

During the conference, 16 students and staff from the Division of Student Affairs presented nine educational breakout sessions. Presentation topics covered leadership, resilience, assessment and planning, commuter students, the campus food pantry, and the student affairs profession.