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Yashwant Prakash Vyas, director of �鶹��’s Aulbani J. Beauregard Center for Equity, Justice, and Freedom, was recognized with the Doris Michiko Ching Award for Excellence as a Student Affairs Professional by .

The award is given annually to “a mid-level student affairs professional whose exemplary commitment to the profession is demonstrated through the development of impactful programs that address student needs, the creation of campus environments that foster student learning and development, and sustained engagement with NASPA.” It is among the highest honors given out in the field of student affairs, says Kenneth Holmes, �鶹��’s vice president for student life. 

Vyas received the award as part of the NASPA Annual Conference earlier this month. 

“As higher education evolves to address demographic changes and increased scrutiny regarding student outcomes and workforce preparation, the work of student affairs is increasingly critical in navigating these institutional complexities through supporting student pathways, driving student success outcomes, and fostering the holistic human development that defines a transformative education,” Vyas . “I am proud to be part of a profession dedicated to championing these goals for the benefit of our students and the broader community. “

Recipients of the hold professional responsibility for the direction, oversight, and/or supervision of one or more student affairs functional areas and demonstrate a record of innovative programming that has positively influenced their home campus, along with active involvement and leadership within NASPA. 

NASPA is the largest association in student affairs, with a network of more than 14,000 professionals at 2,100 institutions around the globe. 

Holmes says Vyas’s “leadership reflects a deep belief in students and in the transformative power of higher education,” and that the recognition speaks to his “dedication, scholarship, and steadfast commitment to advancing equity, justice, and freedom.”

“Yashwant is a visionary leader. His thinking is innovative and strategic, and his determination and passion for expanding access to postsecondary education and facilitating student success outcomes is unwavering,” says Nadine Petty, associate vice president for community, civil rights and compliance at �鶹��. “He is an exceptionally talented and gifted educator, scholar, and exemplary practitioner who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the field of student affairs and has contributed a long list of achievements and impactful deliverables. He has a work ethic that has been instrumental in achieving many successful outcomes for the Beauregard Center and for �鶹�� in general. He is an exceptional professional whose contributions have indubitably made a tangible difference in the lives of students. He is truly an exceptional agent for change, deserving of this well-earned recognition.”

Last year, Vyas was honored by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) – College Student Educators International with the Exceptional Mid-Level Professional Award. He was also awarded the President’s Award of Excellence in 2024, the highest honor bestowed on staff, “for demonstrated excellence, outstanding performance and distinguished service to the �鶹��.”

Vyas has been recognized for his collective work at and associated contributions to the field from Texas A&M University, University of Iowa, University of Mississippi, and �鶹��. 

“I am deeply grateful to my mentors, colleagues, and students who inspire, guide, and sustain me,” Vyas says. “This honor belongs as much to them as it does to me. The work of the Beauregard Center is sustained by partnerships across the university, and most importantly, alongside our students. Every initiative we advance, every conversation we hold, and every space we cultivate is shaped by their collaboration, courage, and care. This recognition is a testament to the ecosystem of support and shared purpose that defines our �鶹�� community.”