The National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASPA) has named President Gloria Larson the recipient of the 2016 NASPA New England President’s Award for her commitment to enhancing the student experience on Bentley’s campus.

Every year, NASPA recognizes college and university presidents who are dedicated to advancing the quality of student life on campus by supporting the institution’s student affairs staff and initiatives.

President Larson was presented the award in November, when she was honored at the 2016 NASPA Region I Conference in Burlington, Vermont.

“This award is a wonderful honor,” says President Larson. “Bentley’s mission is to educate creative, ethical, socially responsible organizational leaders, and I’ve made it my mission to ensure that student life is an equal partner to education and research at our school. It’s Bentley’s knowledgeable and committed student affairs staff who, along with faculty, truly prepare our graduates for rewarding careers and lives.”

In its evaluation criteria, NASPA requires that recipients of the award consistently provide support for student affairs initiatives. President Larson’s direct engagement with students, commitment to student life priorities and broad advocacy for student affairs on campus and beyond were all highlighted in her nomination from her peers at Bentley.

“President Larson values all of our work—the fun and games of activities fairs and sporting events as well as the complexity of Title IX and mental illness,” shares Andrew Shepardson, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. “She recognizes and promotes broadly that the work we do in Student Affairs impacts our students’ lives today, but more importantly, impacts them for a lifetime.”

President Larson will be entered into the NASPA National President’s award pool which will be awarded at the annual national conference in March.