The Knowledge Community for International Student and Scholar Services (KC ISSS) is charged with providing professional development opportunities and resources for those in the field of international student and scholar services. This KC ISSS award honors a NAFSA member who has demonstrated outstanding qualities as a leader in the field of international student and scholar services. Nominees should possess qualities of compassion, integrity, and leadership. They must be NAFSA members and been a professional in the field of international student and scholar services for at least 10 years. Nominees should have earned respect and admiration from students, colleagues and peers.
The nomination period for the 2027 KC ISSS Award of Excellence will be announced in the fall. All KC ISSS members are invited to submit nominations for the award.
2026 KC ISSS Award of Excellence
Congratulations to the recipient of the 2026 KC ISSS Award of Excellence, Aaron Clevenger!
Selection Criteria
The nominee must have:
- demonstrated a willingness to assist colleagues in the ISSS field;
- advocated for the cause of international student and scholar services within his/her own institution, as well as with the greater community;
- personified a constructive leadership style;
- made exemplary contributions to the field which may include resource development, teaching and training, advocacy and mentoring;
- empowered the field of international student and scholar services and the association to strive for a world where international education is a worthy pursuit and valuable experience;
- NAFSA membership
Nomination Procedure
Each nominee must have the following:
- One primary nomination form
- Two additional references (their names, organizations/institutions, daytime phone numbers, and e-mail addresses)
- A copy of the nominee's professional CV/resume
The recipient of this award will be announced by KC ISSS leadership in conjunction with the NAFSA Annual Conference and Expo.
Questions? Please contact NAFSA's International Student/Scholar Services team.
Recent Recipients
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
2026 Academy Chair
Aaron Clevenger is the Assistant Provost for International Education and Senior International Officer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he provides strategic leadership for international student and scholar services, education abroad, English as a second language programs, and...
Portland State University
Christina M. Luther is the Director of International Student and Scholar Services at Portland State University, where she oversees the advising of the F, J, and H populations. She has been leading NAFSA workshops at the local and regional level for most of the 30 years she has been advising...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
David has worked in the field of international education and exchange since 1992. In August 2015, David was appointed Associate Dean and Director of the International Students Office at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His primary responsibilities include...
All Past Recipients
- 2026: Aaron Clevenger, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- 2025: Christina M. Luther, Portland State University
- 2024: David Elwell, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- 2023: Charter Morris, University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa
- 2022: Carol Holz, Retired from the University of Alaska Fairbanks
- 2021: Jenny Bowen, Indiana University - Bloomington
- 2020: Marcia Taylor, University of South Florida
- 2019: Bruce Gawtry, University of Minnesota & Macalester College
- 2018: Michele Janosko, Duquesne University
- 2017: Masume Assaf, Penn State University
- 2016: Heather Housley, Georgia State University
- 2015: Chris Bargerstock, Michigan State University
- 2014: Regina Henry, Oklahoma State University
- 2013: James Luyirika-Sewagudde, Jr., California State University Chico
- 2012: Robin Catmur-Smith, University of Georgia
- 2011: Adria Baker, Rice University
Criteria for Selecting Nominees
The nominee must have:
- demonstrated a willingness to assist colleagues in the ISSS field;
- advocated for the cause of international student and scholar services within his/her own institution, as well as with the greater community;
- personified a constructive leadership style;
- made exemplary contributions to the field which may include resource development, teaching and training, advocacy and mentoring;
- empowered the field of international student and scholar services and the association to strive for a world where international education is a worthy pursuit and valuable experience;
- NAFSA membership
Selection Information
Nominations are reviewed by the KC ISSS Awards Selection Committee and its recommendation is sent to the KC ISSS Chair for approval.
Please contact the ISSS team if you have any further questions.
