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 have closed for the 2025 Bobby E. Leach Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award. The application for 2026 will open in August 2025.

 

NOMINATE

2025 Current Recipient

2025 | Nanette Vega

Bobby E. Leach Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award

Assistant Professor of Professional Practice and Founding Dean for the Office of Belonging and Inclusive Excellence
University of Miami

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Award Criteria

  • Actively engaged in advocating for and advancing diversity and inclusion in the student affairs profession. Evaluated by illustrations of advocacy and advancement work in the profession through administrative and/or academic work.

  • Reputation for taking a stand on critical issues related to diversity and inclusion. Evaluated by illustrations of standing on critical issues related to diversity and inclusion.

  • An innovator whose work has served as a role model. Evaluated by illustrations of serving as a role model.

  • An individual whose work has helped facilitate access and opportunity for employees and students from diverse backgrounds. Evaluated by illustrations in facilitating opportunity for either/both employees or students.

  • Engagement with NASPA. Evaluated by breadth and depth of engagement across multiple opportunities within NASPA.

Past Recipients

2024 | Shawna Patterson-Stephens

Vice President for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging
Central Michigan University

Headshot photo of Kinyata Adams Brown

2023 | Kinyata Adams Brown

Associate Dean for Engagement, Diversity, & Inclusive Excellence
Winthrop University

Maria Genao-Homs Headshot

2022 | Maria Genao-Homs

Bobby E. Leach Equity Diversity and Inclusion Award

Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion
Hamilton College

2021 | Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington

2021 | Bobby E. Leach Equity Diversity and Inclusion Award


Washington Consulting Group

Terrell Headshot

2020 | Melvin Cleveland Terrell

2020 Bobby E. Leach Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award

Vice President Emeritus
Northeastern Illinois University

2019 | Shaun R. Harper

Race and Equity Center Founder & Executive Director; Provost Professor of Education and Business; Clifford and Betty Allen Chair in Urban Leadership
University of Southern California

2018 | Doris Ching

Interim Chancellor
University of Hawai'i, West Oahu