Mary Wallace, Ph.D.In recognition of her exemplary contributions to the field of student affairs and higher education, Mary Wallace, Ph.D., assistant vice president for Student Experience in Student Affairs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has been selected for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators’ prestigious Pillars of the Profession Award. The accolade, bestowed by the NASPA Foundation, is among the highest honors in the student affairs community.
“I feel a deep sense of gratitude and humility as I acknowledge this recognition from my colleagues in NASPA and proudly join the esteemed 2024 Pillars of the Profession cohort,” Wallace said. “NASPA remains steadfast in its commitment to realizing the potential of higher education, guided by the principles of integrity, innovation, inclusion and inquiry, and I am proud to be a member of this organization.”
The NASPA Pillars of the Profession Award, presented annually at the NASPA Annual Conference, acknowledges distinguished individuals who have served as leaders, teachers and scholars in student affairs and higher education. Wallace joins the Pillars Class of 2024, a group of outstanding professionals recognized for their significant service to NASPA, impactful contributions to their institutions and sustained excellence in the field. Wallace will receive the award at NASPA 2024 hosted in Seattle, Washington, in March.
“This prestigious honor is a testament to Mary Wallace’s impressive body of work during her career in higher education,” said John Jones, III, Ph.D., vice president for Student Affairs. “NASPA has officially recognized what we have long understood — Mary’s outstanding contributions have a broad and impactful reach.”
The award, based on nominations and support from colleagues, students and friends, honors professionals who have left a lasting legacy in higher education. Recipients are celebrated for their regional and national leadership roles within NASPA, enduring impact on institutions, and lifetime professional distinction in student affairs.
As part of the recognition, a gift of $3,500 to support research and scholarship in student affairs will be made to the foundation in the nominee’s name. If you would like to donate to the NASPA Foundation in Wallace’s name, please click here.
With a network of 15,000 professionals and 2,100 campuses across the globe, NASPA is the premier professional association for student affairs administrators, faculty, and graduate and undergraduate students.