Camarillo, Calif., March 29, 2016 — The American College Personnel Association (ACPA) has recognized Vice President for Student Affairs, Wm. Gregory Sawyer, Ph.D., as the recipient of the 2016 Excellence in Practice Award.
The national award recognizes student affairs practitioners who have created and sustained services, programs and practices that have made a positive impact on a campus for a sustained period of time — five to ten years.
“This recognition is truly a testament to the longstanding commitment and dedication of CSU Channel Islands’ Division of Student Affairs team. I am honored that their outstanding work is being recognized on a national level” Sawyer said.
In her nomination letter, Dean of Arts & Sciences Karen Carey, Ph.D., called Sawyer one of the most “energetic, motivated and student-centered” individuals with whom she has worked.
“Dr. Sawyer encourages all students, regardless of their background, skill level or interests, to exchange ideas in a collegial manner while celebrating diversity as a source of renewal and vitality” Carey wrote.
Carey further noted in her nomination Sawyer’s ability, over the past 14 years, to recruit quality staff dedicated to the mission of the University and to meet the needs of a dynamic student body.
ACPA College Student Educators International awards coordinator Lee Hawthorne said the committee that chose Sawyer for the 2016 honor had a “clear choice.” “He stood out pretty easily because the award is intended to recognize practitioners who have implemented something that is based on national best practices,” remarked Hawthorne.
Sawyer has consistently earned CI national prominence with the Student Affairs division most recently being named as one of “The Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs” in the nation for the second consecutive year (2015 & 2016), and one of the “Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs” among minority-serving institutions (2015).
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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.