The EDUCAUSE Awards Program, under the guidance of the Recognition Committee, brings peer endorsement and distinction to professional accomplishments in higher education IT.

The Leadership Award is our highest recognition and honors exemplary leaders whose work has had significant positive impact on advancing the theory and practice of information technology in higher education.

The Community Leadership Award recognizes members for their roles as community leaders and active volunteers in professional service to the broader higher education information technology community.

The DEI Leadership Award, new in 2019, recognizes and celebrates exemplary leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community.

The Rising Star Award recognizes higher education information technology rising leaders whose records reflect ongoing and exceptional growth in contribution to the profession and increased levels of leadership and responsibility.

 

Leadership Award

Michele Norin

Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

For demonstrating visionary leadership and effectiveness in leading IT at institutional and organizational levels; for effectively advocating for the strategic value of IT to higher education and fostering collaborations that encourage others to think critically about IT services and support; for serving as a role model and exemplar to others in the IT profession

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Community Leadership Award

Marcia L. Dority Baker

Assistant Director, Academic Technologies, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

For showing extraordinary leadership in community-building, mentorship, and encouragement of others in the profession; for advancing professional development opportunities for women, young professionals, and others within the IT community; for cultivating workplace environments of inclusiveness, collaboration, and collective success

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DEI Leadership Award

Michael Cato

Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Bowdoin College

For exhibiting wide-ranging advocacy, influence, and impact in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in the higher education community; for being a champion of organizational cultures that are collaborative, collegial, and effective; for mentoring and building relations with young professionals and those from underrepresented communities

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The Rising Star Award

Tonya Bennett

Director of Educational Technology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

For providing leadership within the young professionals’ community of EDUCAUSE and promoting opportunities and connections for others to excel and flourish; for being a tireless champion of community-building by leveraging creativity, technical skills, and infectious enthusiasm; for expanding the conversation and programming around diversity, equity, and inclusion

Kyle Shachmut

Assistant Director of Digital Accessibility Services, Harvard University

For displaying leadership that makes higher education more inclusive and accessible to students with disabilities; for illustrating advocacy and exerting an expansive influence on the higher education and IT communities; for being a catalyst for change and inspiring others to action; for being a leading spokesperson in the national dialogue for digital inclusion on campuses