Stephan Moore, dean of students on the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix and acting vice provost of access and enrollment services, was nominated for and selected to receive this year’s African-American Knowledge Community (AAKC) Sankofa Award from the National Association for Student Affairs Administrators (NASPA). Presented to a senior student affairs officer who has provided leadership and guidance to African-Americans in higher education, this award acknowledges Dean Moore’s commitment to black professionals in the field of student affairs.
“This award means a lot to me,” said Moore. “It means that as a student affairs professional and also as a person of color, I have provided leadership, guidance, support and direction to others in the profession or those seeking to enter the profession. I have always aspired to help others, and it is a privilege to serve as an advocate for those within the field, especially my fellow student affairs practitioners of color.”
Moore looks forward to representing the UVI at the NASPA conference in Indianapolis this March where he will be presented with the Sankofa Award. “This event will demonstrate that UVI – this Historically Black College and University of the Caribbean – can run with the best in terms of our academics, staff, faculty and students,” he said.
The AAKC is a constituent group of NASPA, which increases members’ awareness of, knowledge about, and appreciation for, issues unique to African-American professionals working in higher education and student affairs. It also seeks to educate NASPA members on trends and issues related to African-American professionals and students by sharing information on research, campus issues and mentoring.
“Stephan Moore is very deserving of this honor based on his leadership and guidance to African-Americans in higher education,” said Dhanfu E. Elston, Ph.D., AAKC co-chairperson. “Multiple higher education colleagues nominated Stephan for this award for his work that demonstrates Sankofa, which means ‘teaching us that we must go back to our roots in order to move forward.’”
One such colleague is Camille McKayle, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Mr. Moore has injected a new energy into student affairs on the Albert A. Sheen Campus and works with his team to ensure that our UVI students enjoy quality programming,” said Dr. McKayle. “Mr. Moore’s leadership is evident each year, especially during key periods, such as orientation. Along with his team, he ensures that our new students are introduced to the campus and to college life in an exciting and welcoming way.”
The other academic affairs professionals that nominated Moore for the prestigious Sankofa Award are Darrell C. Ray, Ph.D., assistant vice chancellor at Louisiana State University, Gary Santos Mendoza, coordinator of campus life at Florida Atlantic University and Dr. Nicole Gibbs, director of admission at North Carolina Central University.
In addition to providing high quality leadership to students on the Albert A. Sheen Campus as well as to fellow NASPA members, Moore is a firm believer in community building through engagement and empowerment. He knows the value of a great mentor, having been afforded the opportunity to work with several mentors who influenced and enhanced his own journey.
