This individual has created programs and initiatives that have had a positive impact on their housing program and their students.  In addition, this professional has enhanced their skills through training, educational opportunities, and creates new strategies for enhancing the field of student affairs and residence life.  This person is dedicated to their students, department, and profession.  The nominee should be involved at the state, regional, or national level within the profession.  As a supervisor, advisor, or mentor of professional staff and/or student leaders, this mid-level professional will have gone above the call of duty to be of service to the profession.

This award will be presented in the form of a plaque to the selected individual(s) or a representative from their institution, assuming the individual is not in attendance, at the annual SWACUHO conference.

A maximum of two awards will be given in any one year, but only one nomination per institution will be considered.

Criteria for Selection:

A successful nominee must meet the following criteria:

• Be in a mid-level (non-entry or senior housing officer level), full-time professional position with a minimum of four years experience.
• Currently supervise full-time professional staff, support staff, or a programmatic/departmental area.
• Have provided new ideas, initiatives, and programs that have enhanced their housing program.
• Have enhanced their skills through training, education, and development.
• Be actively involved at the state, regional, or national level.

Past Winners:

2024 Maggie Guzman, Texas A&M University
Ricky Harris, University of Central Arkansas

2023 Amber Mahler, The University of Texas at Dallas
Megan Witherspoon Evans, University of Arkansas

2022 Brandi Bowen, University of Texas at Arlington
Alyssa Veteto, University of Houston

2021 Leigh Donaldson, Texas Tech University
Sarah Schendzelos, Texas A&M University at Galveston

2020 Chris Medley, Texas Tech University
Vik Arunkumar, Texas Woman's University

2019 Audrey Davis, Texas Tech University
Kyle McCracken, Texas A&M University

2018 Lin Crowson, University of Houston
Meredith Maddox, Texas Woman's University