Since 1964, NACUA has honored individuals in higher education law. The NACUA honors and awards program is a well-respected and time-honored tradition that ensures the acknowledgement of those who have dedicated their service to advancing the effective practice of higher education attorneys. In addition to their demonstrated commitment to NACUA's mission and strategic goals, these individuals have modeled NACUA's core values. Honored recipients are conferred awards including: Distinguished Service, First Decade, Life Member, Fellow, and Honorary Member. The Call for Awards is released in January of each year.
NACUA congratulates all honorees who have worked to advance the profession of higher education law. They are honored each year at the annual conference's Honors and Awards Ceremony.
2023-2024 Award Recipients
FIRST DECADE AWARD
LESLIE M. GOMEZ, Vice Chair, Institutional Response Group, Cozen O’Connor
JESSICA G. PRICE, Associate General Counsel, University of Oregon
SONYA U. SANCHEZ, Principal Counsel, University of California System
LIFE MEMBERSHIP
STEPHEN S. DUNHAM, Vice President and General Counsel Emeritus, The Pennsylvania State University (Retired)
JOHN D. MARSHALL, JR., Former University Attorney, Georgia State University & Associate Legal Counsel, Kennesaw State University (Retired)
Elizabeth B. Meers, Former Senior Counsel Emerita, Hogan Lovells US LLP (Retired)
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
R. YVETTE CLARK, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Southern New Hampshire University
NICHOLAS DIGIOVANNI, JR., Partner, Morgan Bown & Joy LLP
STEPHANIE J. GOLD, Partner, Hogan Lovells US LLP
LAURENCE PENDLETON, General Counsel and Secretary to the Board of Trustees, Tennessee State University
TARA S. SCISCOE, Partner, Ice Miller LLP
OMAR A. SYED, Vice President and General Counsel, Rice University