In Honor of Homer Higbee

Homer D. Higbee served as a NAFSA life member, former president (1970-71), chair of the Field Service Steering Committee, and on the boards of trustees/directors of numerous professional organizations. He is known as one of the major figures in international education and a leading NAFSAn for more than 25 years. His landmark study of foreign student advising on American campuses in 1961 provided the first comprehensive profile of NAFSAns as a professional class.

The NAFSA International Education Award for Distinguished Service to NAFSA in Honor of Homer Higbee recognizes a NAFSAn who is currently involved in associational activities; has already contributed at least ten years of distinguished service to NAFSA’s membership; and plans to continue his/her involvement in the Association. In addition, the Awardee must have contributed significantly to the professional development of colleagues through mentorship and participation in numerous NAFSA activities. Awardees will receive a framed recognition plaque.

Nominations for the NAFSA 2020 Annual Awards will open in September 2019.

Selection Criteria

To be considered for the Award for Distinguished Service to NAFSA in Honor of Homer Higbee, a nominee must have donated at least ten years of distinguished service to the Association and should be continuing as an active NAFSAn. The nominee must be a NAFSA member.

Nominees must have documented accomplishments in all three of the areas below:

  • Demonstrated expertise and commitment to the field by acting as a professional mentor to colleagues in two or more NAFSA knowledge communities
  • Inspired other international educators through mentoring, publications, and service to NAFSA which has benefited two or more knowledge communities
  • Continues to serve in a variety of associational leadership positions, both elected and appointed, where they can influence and encourage the professional development of others

Nomination Procedures

The primary nominator must be a NAFSA member. Nominations must present clear evidence of the nominee's achievements in the areas mentioned above. Nominations must be supported by a minimum of two additional nominations, each from a NAFSA member addressing a different perspective on the nominee’s accomplishments. These additional nominations must be from different institutions, knowledge communities and NAFSA regions. Current members of the NAFSA Board of Directors, Membership Engagement Committee, Awards Subcommittee, and NAFSA staff are not eligible for consideration. Individuals may not self-nominate. The nominations process is confidential. As recommended by the NAFSA Board of Directors, the Awards Subcommittee will strive to put forth no more than one name each year for the Award for Distinguished Service to NAFSA in Honor of Homer Higbee.

Please note that nominations that do not comply with the award criteria or nomination procedures will not be considered.