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President Ronald Vaughn has been awarded the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Region III President’s Award for enhancing the quality of student life on campus by supporting Student Affairs, programs and services.

Nominees must have a strong track record of improving the quality of the student experience on his/her campus, involving students and staff in university decision-making, and making valuable contributions to the profession beyond an individual campus. In addition to the regional recognition that accompanies this award, the recipient will also be considered for the National NASPA President’s Award.

Vaughn was nominated by three UT staff members: Linda Devine, vice president of operations and planning; Tim Harding, associate dean of career development and engagement; and Stephanie Russell Krebs, dean of students. They all recognized Vaughn for contributing over his nearly 20 years as president in the following ways:

• Seven (of 11 total) new residence halls and other refurbished residential facilities;
• New ROTC and athletics building, along with renovated facilities for soccer, baseball and swimming;
• New athletic and intramural complex;
• New student center, including theater, conference/seminar center and campus bookstore;
• New chapel and center for faith and values;
• New health and wellness center;
• Numerous new food venues (nearly 30); 
• Renovated space for academic success center; and
• Renovation of fitness center.

“The impact on programming and services has been game changing for us, and while many had a hand in making this change occur, President Vaughn has led the charge through holistic campus planning, and of course, the requisite fundraising to make these spaces attractive, functional, engaging and fully available for student use,” wrote Devine in her nomination letter. “Providing such quality facilities has encouraged and supported programming and services to reach all UT students.”