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.
Nominations for the 2021 KC ISSS Award of Excellence are now open! All KC ISSS members are invited to submit nominations for the award.
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 deadline for nominations is February 1, 2021.
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
University of South Florida
As the director of the Office of International Services, Marcia Taylor is the Primary Designated Official (PDSO) for the university’s F-1 student program, the Responsible Officer (RO) for the university’s J-1 exchange program, and advises university staff on employment based visas and permanent...
University of Minnesota, Macalester College
Bruce Gawtry received the 2019 KC ISSS Award of Excellence. Gawtry began working at the University of Minnesota and Macalester College in 2007, shortly after retiring from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS). At the University of Minnesota, he...
Duquesne University
Michele Janosko received the 2018 KC ISSS Award of Excellence. Janosko started her career in international education In May of 1992 as the administrative assistant in the Office of International Affairs at Duquesne University. It was a long journey from administrative assistant to counselor in...
All Past Recipients
- 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.
