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 2026 KC ISSS Award of Excellence will be announced in the fall. 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 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
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...
The University of Alabama
MDP Trainer
Charter Morris is currently Director of International Student & Scholar Services at The University of Alabama, where he has served since 2012. Charter is the PDSO and RO and his main areas of focus are J-1 scholar advising and F-1/J-1 student advising. Charter is currently an MDP Trainer and a...
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Carol Holz retired as the Associate Director for Immigration Compliance at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) December 31, 2018. She maintains CPA licenses in Texas(retired) and Alaska. With over 18 years of experience in international education, immigration, and tax compliance, she worked...
All Past Recipients
- 2024: David Elwell, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- 2023: Charter Morris, MA, University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa
- 2022: Carol Holz, CPA, MBA, Retired from the University of Alaska Fairbanks
- 2021: Jenny Bowen, MA, Indiana University - Bloomington
- 2020: Marcia Taylor, MA, 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.
