Doctoral student wins national research award

OVERLAND PARK, Kansas – Baker University doctoral candidate Vincent Bowhay was recently named a 2016 NASPA Gender and Sexuality KC Scholar on behalf of the Gender and Sexuality Knowledge Community in NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.  Bowhay is one of two award winners nationwide.

Bowhay, who is set to graduate with a Doctor of Education in Leadership in Higher Education in May, will receive the award and a research grant at the NASPA annual conference next month in San Antonio, Texas. More than 5,500 student affairs administrators in higher education will attend the conference.

“I am so humbled that my work is being recognized by my student affairs colleagues and by the NASPA Gender and Sexuality Knowledge Community,” Bowhay said. “It wouldn’t be possible without the support of friends, family, colleagues, and my dissertation committee at Baker University. And thank you to my study participants for sharing a part of their amazing lives with me.”

Bowhay is the director for campus success for Campus Labs, a company that offers integrated software and cloud-based assessment tools that use an institution’s data to measure effectiveness in higher education.

The research award recognizes Bowhay’s research conducted for his dissertation, “Breaking the Lavender Ceiling: The Experiences of Self-Identified Out LGBTQ University Presidents.” The award is presented by the NASPA Gender and Sexuality Knowledge Community, which recognizes individuals, programs, and research that have made extraordinary contributions to  advancing the inclusion and education of sexual and gender minorities. The award aims to exhibit excellence and innovations that have added to the student affairs profession and higher education and enhance the lives of their communities.

“Vince embodies our Baker University School of Education belief that a confident and competent educational leader advocates for all students and demonstrates interpersonal practices that advance the welfare and dignity of all persons,” said Dean of the School of Education Dr. Marcus Childress. “I am thrilled that NASPA recognizes Vince’s expertise in his field.”

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Contact: Rachel Shuck, Marketing Specialist
Rachel.Shuck@bakerU.edu