UMA received three prestigious honors at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Region I annual conference held Nov. 17-19, 2024.
Zach Rollins, a student in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems program, became the first UMA recipient of the Catch a Rising Star Award, which recognizes outstanding undergraduate students for their academic achievements, involvement and potential in the student affairs profession. The award includes a scholarship to support future academic and professional endeavors.
Benjamin Bucklin, a Student Services Coordinator in the UMA Office of Academic and Career Advising, a NASPA member, and leader of UMA’s Trail Blazer Workshop Series, received the Doris Michiko Ching Excellence in Student Affairs Award. This honor recognizes a midlevel student affairs professional for exceptional commitment to the field, including program development, creating a positive campus environment, and NASPA engagement.
UMA’s Trail Blazer Workshop Series also earned the state Program of the Year award, which recognizes outstanding programs from Region I institutions. The Trail Blazer Workshop Series equips students with the understanding and skills needed to navigate the challenges of college and prepare for their career. Recent workshop topics include “Understanding Student Debt,” “Internship Search 101,” “Avoiding Burnout,” and “Finding the Right Career.”
Tessa Pyles, UMA Director of Academic and Career Advising said, “On behalf of UMA’s Office of Academic and Career Advising, I want to congratulate Ben and Zach! Those of us who work beside Ben every day are thrilled that he has received this recognition for his dedication to UMA’s students and their success.”
These honors reflect UMA’s strong commitment to student success, program excellence, and leadership development.
About NASPA
NASPA, a national organization for higher education professionals, is divided into eight regions, including Region I, which covers New England. Member institutions include Bates College, Bowdoin College, College of the Atlantic, Husson University, Maine Maritime Academy, Thomas College, Southern Maine Community College, University of Maine, University of Southern Maine, and Unity Environmental University. The NASPA Region I Conference, held annually in November, recognizes state and regional award winners, who are then considered for national honors.