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 2023 KC ISSS Award of Excellence will be announced in the fall. All KC ISSS members are invited to submit nominations for the award.
2022 KC ISSS Award of Excellence
Congratulations to the awardee of the 2022 KC ISSS Award of Excellence, Carol Holz, CPA, MBA!
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
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...
Indiana University-Bloomington
Chair-Designate, 2024 Annual Conference Committee
Jenny Bowen has been involved in international student advising for nearly 25 years at Indiana University, and she currently serves as the university's director of international student advising. Active in various NAFSA roles at the national and regional level for 20 years, including with the ACC...
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...
All Past Recipients
- 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.
