On September 30, at the annual Fall Celebration for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Student Affairs Division, the university’s Vice Chancellor Juan N. Franco honored longtime NIRSA member Stan Campbell, Associate Vice Chancellor and Director of Campus Recreation, with the Student Affairs Student Advocate Award.

The award, in its inaugural year, will annually recognize student affairs employees who go above and beyond in serving the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s students and community in a manner that demonstrates commitment to the Division’s vision of making all students feel that they matter.

“Most Student Affairs employees are student centered, but some go far beyond the high expectations that we have for serving our students,” says Vice Chancellor Franco. “This award,” he adds, “honors those who truly epitomize our motto that all students matter. To be selected to receive this award from such a caring group of staff is a testament to all Stan has done.”

Upon receiving his plaque, Stan confessed that he was truly speechless. He did share with his colleagues, however, that when he began his career at Nebraska, he never imagined that he’d stay for 37 years. But, he noted “the people—both staff and students—have made it all worthwhile.”

Stan—who has been a member of NIRSA for more than 42 years and held prominent volunteer positions for the Association, including serving as a past NIRSA President—reflects: “I was fortunate as an undergraduate and graduate student to have excellent mentors and role models; therefore, I’ve attempted to provide that same level of support and encouragement to our students.”

Stan’s commitment to students shines through his acceptance remarks: “The true reward,” he shared, “has been in watching students’ mature and grow as individuals to become an even better version of themselves. Working in Student Affairs provides great opportunities to assist in the development of students, which is one of the reasons I love this profession.” Congratulations to Stan for being recognized as the inaugural recipient for this award—there couldn’t be a more deserving individual!

  • For more information about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Division of Student Affairs or the Student Affairs Student Advocate Award, contact UNL’s Director of Marketing and Communications for Student Affairs, Lauren Gayer. Photo courtesy of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • If you are interested in highlighting a NIRSA member’s achievements on your campus, pitch us your ideas.
Director of Marketing and Communications in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lauren Gayer is currently the Director of Marketing and Communications in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at University of Nebraska-Lincoln