¶¶MÅ®ÆÍ President Beverly Warren is the recipient of the 2016 National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Region IV-East award for her outstanding performance as a university president. She joins an elite group of college and university presidents across the United States honored by NASPA for advancing the quality of student life on campus by supporting Student Affairs staff and programs.
In addition to the regional recognition, Warren is under consideration for the national NASPA Presidentâs Award.
âI am grateful for the sheer opportunity to work in a professional environment that has the distinct joy and responsibility of supporting and challenging students to uncover their purpose, potential and passions in life; to guide them in the weaving of their lifeâs dreams; and to turn those dreams into a reality that makes a positive difference in our world,â said Warren in her acceptance speech at the NASPA Region IV Awards Banquet in St. Louis, Missouri, on Nov. 15.
Since becoming ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍâs 12th president in 2014, Warren has infused the universityâs eight-campus system with a bold optimism that has inspired cultural change and a shared vision for a prosperous future. The universityâs six-year plan, , names âStudents Firstâ as the number one priority among five that are guiding the universityâs planning and initiatives through the year 2021.
As part of the criteria for special recognition, Warren excelled in many areas including exhibiting special interest in the quality of student life and involving students and staff in university decision-making on campus.
âPresident Warrenâs student-first focus permeates her efforts to improve the quality of the student experience,â said Shay Davis Little, Ph.D., ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍâs vice president for student affairs who co-authored the nomination with a student. âDr. Warren launched an aggressive campaign to raise graduation and retention rates, and encourages all employees to act in ways that affirm that the success of students is everyoneâs responsibility.â
Littleâs nomination also highlighted the universityâs formation of a unified Undergraduate Student Government across all of the ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍ campuses and the creation of a dialogue series, KENTtalks, to promote freedom of expression and civil discourse. She also made note of Warrenâs collaborative decision-making style and accessibility to students via social media.
âHer daily tweets have become a âmust-readâ for followers,â Little said.
Samuel Graska, president of ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍâs Undergraduate Student Government, echoed Littleâs sentiments.
âTake one step on any of the ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍ campuses and immediately there is a change in the air, passion that perfumes and promise that brightens,â Graska said. âThe culture here on campus reflects the leadership of President Warren.â