John Laws, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at Ivy Tech Community College-Lafayette will receive the NASPA National Community College Professional Award at the NASPA Annual Conference, to be held March 17-20, 2013 in Orlando, Florida.
The award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated leadership and a commitment to the student affairs profession within higher education. Dr. Laws was selected in recognition of his more than 33 years in higher education, for his service to students, and his strong involvement with NASPA. A long-standing member of NASPA, Laws has served the student affairs profession in several volunteer positions, including the Director of the Community College Division for NASPA.
Dr. Laws is an engaged professional, writing numerous articles, presenting educational sessions on a variety of topics pertinent to students and professionals in higher education, and guiding doctoral students in their dissertation processes.
Dr. David Bathe, Chancellor at Ivy Tech-Lafayette, said, “John’s unwavering commitment to the success of our students and the professional development of his staff sets a standard for others to follow. It has been my pleasure to work alongside Dr. Laws. This award is well-deserved.”
One colleague who nominated Laws for this award wrote: “’John is a peer without equals’ in this institution, and has actively engaged staff in significant professional development, and in addressing national and local issues.”
Dr. Kevin Kruger, President of NASPA, stated, “John served on the NASPA Board of Directors and has always been a champion of community college professional needs and initiatives. He is a stellar individual with a deep commitment to NASPA.”
Laws’ career began at Indiana State University (IN), and his responsibilities have included recreational sports, wellness programs, new student orientation, student leadership, student activities, and currently as Vice President of Student Affairs oversight of all areas in student affairs including enrollment, financial aid, student discipline, alumni affairs, disability services and diversity affairs.
Laws earned his Ed.D. from Higher Education Administration from Indiana University, MS in Physical Education Administration from Southern Illinois University, and BS in Physical Education from Southern Illinois University.
About Ivy Tech
Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
About NASPA
NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. We serve a full range of professionals who provide programs, experiences, and services that cultivate student learning and success in concert with the mission of our colleges and universities. Founded in 1919, NASPA comprises more than 13,000 members in all 50 states, 29 countries, and 8 U.S. Territories. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.naspa.org.
