TAMIU Administrator, Student Earn Regional Awards at NASPA Symposium

A Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) student affairs administrator and a student had a recent regional spotlight shine on them with their selection for awards presented at the NASPA Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education Region III Summer Symposium in Orlando, FL this June.

Dr. Nicholas Hudson, TAMIU’s director of Student Orientation, Leadership, and Engagement (SOLE), was named the recipient of the NASPA Region III Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award. He is also the Region III nominee for the National NASPA Bobby E. Leach Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award.

The Award recognizes a strong and sustained record of professional and civic involvement in activities promoting diversity and inclusion in education or the community; active engagement in advocating for and advancing this in the profession through administrative or academic work, and serving as a role model.

Dr. Hudson was selected, in part, due to leading a study abroad trip to Argentina focusing on social movements, his work towards highlighting first-generation college students at TAMIU, and increasing intercultural understanding through various leadership programming at the University.

He serves as a member of the TAMIU Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Committee, fostering opportunities to strengthen efforts toward intercultural understanding. In 2021-2022, he was a campus lead planner for the Texas A&M University System Chancellor’s Summit on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and learning across the 11 System schools. Hudson’s academic research has focused on community cultural wealth and funds of knowledge in undocumented Latinx students and collegiate social movements.

Hudson was thankful to have his efforts recognized.

“I am deeply appreciative of this recognition from my colleagues in NASPA Region III that aligns with my personal mantra of ‘Deeds, Not Words.’ To be recognized for living my values of equity, justice, and empowerment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of myself, my colleagues, and TAMIU in recognizing different forms of diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all to thrive during their collegiate experience.

“We have focused on broadening horizons and bringing nationwide programming to celebrate the unique identities of our TAMIU students, including First Generation college student programming and educational workshops exposing students to different lived histories and experiences. I am honored to be the nominee for Region III and will continue to highlight opportunities for improving the campus environment for all students regardless of background and identity,” Hudson said.

Mayella Villarreal, TAMIU student engagement coordinator, received the Region III Undergraduate Rising Star Award recognizing an undergraduate student for achievement, involvement, and potential in the Student Affairs profession. It is presented to an undergraduate student actively involved in the Division of Student Affairs. Recipients demonstrate academic achievement; significant contribution to their university through service to others; outstanding leadership skills, and going above and beyond what other students are contributing to help make campus culture a positive experience for all.

Villarreal said the NASPA experience was both affirming and remarkable.

“Receiving the NASPA Award for Undergraduate Rising Star was an experience I never expected as a Latinx woman from a small city like Laredo. I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award and to be welcomed by the NASPA Family. This past academic year, I had the privilege of serving in various leadership roles on campus. In all these positions, I put forth the needs of the students before myself, advisors, and administrators. I strived to serve as the voice for students who needed a transformation, not a simple transactional experience. From hosting the biggest concert at TAMIU in the Fall, to bringing free sanitary products to women’s restrooms, to raising the standards for Dustdevil spirit… everything was aimed at improving the student experience. This Award woke me to realize my true passion in life: Student Affairs. I will continue to voice the concerns of students and enhance the progression of the community at TAMIU,” Villarreal said.

TAMIU’s SOLE office is dedicated to fostering dynamic, student-centered co-curricular experiences that challenge, support, and empower students to develop critical navigation skills and strengthen their unique TAMIU experience and success. It works to deliver innovative student experiences that empower students to become active and engaged citizens and leaders in a global society.

NASPA is a member-centered association supporting a diverse and passionate network of 15,000 professionals and 1,200 institutions across the globe. It is the professional home for the field of student affairs.

For more on TAMIU’s SOLE, click on https://www.tamiu.edu/sole, contact its office at sole@tamiu.edu, or call 956.326.2280.

For more on NASPA, visit https://www.naspa.org/

Registration for TAMIU’s Summer and Fall 2023 is now underway. View the registration schedule here: https://www.tamiu.edu/registrar/registration.shtml.

To learn more about TAMIU’s Registration processes, visit the dedicated Registration Hub at ;https://go.tamiu.edu/registration.

University news and information can also be found online at tamiu.edu and on TAMIU’s social channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.