Life Membership is awarded each year to NAFSAns in recognition of their career achievements in advancing the goals of the Association and of international education and exchange. Individuals become eligible for nomination at the time of their retirement from professional responsibilities in the field of international education.
Life Membership is not automatically granted to members who attain emeritus status. Life Membership is automatically conferred upon past Presidents and Chairs of the NAFSA Board of Directors upon retirement from professional responsibilities in international education, with a notification to NAFSA's Vice President for Professional Development and Engagement.
Life Members receive regular membership privileges and a waiver of annual dues and Annual Conference registration fees. Multiple Life Membership Awards may be bestowed each year, subject to Board approval.
The nomination period for this award has closed. Nominations will re-open in November.
Regina Henry retired from Oklahoma State University (OSU) in 2021 after serving the institution for 44 years, most recently as coordinator of immigration. She was a NAFSA member-leader throughout most of her career, holding various elected and appointed positions including CAFSS representative to...
John K. Hudzik, PhD, retired from Michigan State University (MSU) in January 2021. He was MSU dean and vice president of international programs from 1995 to 2010 and acting university provost in 2005. He is a past president and chair of the NAFSA Board of Directors, past president of the Association...
The nomination for Life Membership must highlight the following:
The primary nominator must be a current NAFSA member. Individuals may not self-nominate.
The nominee has been a NAFSA member for at least 20 years.
The nominee must have publicly announced their retirement from professional responsibilities in international education at the time of the nomination. Nominations will be considered within 24 months of the retirement date.
The nomination must include the nominee's resume or CV.
Nominations must include two additional letters of support, each from a NAFSA member addressing a different perspective on the nominee's accomplishments.
The nomination documents achievements in the following areas:
Election or appointment to multiple NAFSA national leadership positions
Important and lasting contributions to the field of international education and exchange over the duration of their career
Positive influence on the lives or careers of participants or professionals in the field
Nominations that do not comply with the award criteria or nomination procedures will not be considered. NAFSA does not bestow posthumous Life Membership Awards.
