UH Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services Richard Walker receives the 2015 NASPA Region III John Jones Award

DSAES News
July 21, 2022

Dr. Richard Walker, vice chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services for the University of Houston System (UHS) and vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services at the University of Houston, has been selected to receive the Region III John Jones Award for Outstanding Performance as a Senior Student Affairs Officer from NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.

The award carries distinct requirements. According to NASPA, the recipient of the award must demonstrate sustained professional service as a senior student affairs officer; high-level competency in administrative skills; merited respect and support of students, faculty and fellow administrators; innovative response in meeting varied and emerging needs of students; effectiveness in the development of junior staff members; and significant contributions to the field through publications or professional involvement.

"I cannot think of a more deserving individual for Region III's John Jones Award for Outstanding Performance as a Chief Student Affairs Officer than Richard Walker,” stated UH President Renu Khator in her nomination letter for Walker. “He is an exemplary candidate who serves as a role model not only to his own division, but across the UH System, the University of Houston, and within NASPA.”

Since joining the university in September 2011, Dr. Walker has reorganized and refocused a diverse division consisting of 29 departments, 450 employees, and over 1,000 student employees into a cohesive unit dedicated to student success. He oversaw the opening of two new residence halls as well as the renovation and expansion of the Student Center. He also was influential in growing the faculty-in-residence program, forming a new partnership with the College of Education's higher education program, and working with Academic Affairs to enhance the first-year student experience. Under his leadership, the division implemented a five-year strategic plan to create a culture of assessment with an annual assessment plan for each department.

Daniel Maxwell, UHS associate vice chancellor and UH associate vice president for Student Affairs, noted, "Dr. Walker's commitment to effective campus partnerships is fostered through his tenacity for excellence, his uplifting spirit, his results-driven attitude, and his belief that students and the campus community benefits greatly when the division delivers Tier One programs, services, and facilities."

Walker will be presented with the award at the NASPA Region III Summer Symposium. The Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services is honored to have Walker as an executive leader at the University of Houston. Please join us in congratulating him on this award.

About NASPA: NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. The organization’s work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy, and research for 13,000 members in all 50 states, 25 countries, and 8 U.S. territories.