Christine Hernandez, program coordinator of women and gender studies, is the 2012 recipient of the William Leftwich Award for Outstanding New Professional in NASPA Region III.
This award was named to honor William “Bill” Leftwich and his remarkable career in higher education. An Army veteran, Dr. Leftwich received two degrees from the University of Richmond - a B.A. in 1952 and an M.A. in 1956 - and earned a Doctor of Philosophy in psychology in 1962 from Purdue University. He returned to his alma mater as an assistant professor in the department of psychology and rose through the faculty ranks to become department chair and director of the Center of Psychological Services in 1966. Having established himself as a knowledgeable and valuable resource to the University, in 1972 he was named Director of Student Services and Activities. Then in 1973 he became the University of Richmond’s first Vice President for Student Affairs, a position he held until his death in 1986.
Bill Leftwich is remembered as a man with a great sense of humor, an avid tennis player, and a wonderful colleague with a deep love for higher education. As vice president he provided leadership for a disparate set of offices and services to become a viable Division of Student Affairs. Devoting his life and career to the University of Richmond, he was influential in the lives of many students and his example was an inspiration to other professionals seeking to make higher education their life’s work.
The individual nominated must meet the following criteria:
- May not have served more than three years in a full-time position in student affairs.
- Will be judged on contributions to NASPA and contributions to the individual’s employer institution(s)
- Has performed all aspects of his/her job in an exemplary manner
- Must include a supporting letter from the immediate supervisor as one of the letters of support.
- Must be a current member of NASPA Region III.