Bobby E. Leach Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award

Supporting the Profession Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice
Award Type: national

This award honors a senior student affairs professional or faculty member who has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion throughout their administrative or academic tenure. This award is named in honor of the first person of color to serve as NASPA president and who was also the first African American Administrator at Florida State University.  Dr. Leach’s life and career was dedicated to bringing people of different backgrounds together for the purpose of promoting equality for all.

Nominations for the 2024 Bobby E. Leach Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award have closed. The application for 2025 will open in August 2024.

Nominate

2024 Current Recipient

Award Criteria

Any NASPA member may nominate an individual for this award.

Below are the criteria that the Selections and Awards Committee of the NASPA Board of Directors will use to evaluate the nominees.

  • Strong and sustained record of professional and/or civic involvement in activities that promote diversity, and inclusion in education and/or the community
  • Actively engaged in advocating for, and advancing, diversity and inclusion in the profession through one’s administrative and/or academic work
  • Reputation for taking a stand on critical issues related to diversity, and inclusion even at risk to one’s reputation and vocation
  • An individual whose work has “broken barriers” and in so doing has served as a role model, and helped to facilitate employment and educational access and opportunity, for others from diverse backgrounds
  • Active NASPA membership

Past Recipients