Whited Wins Top Award for Student Affairs

Whited Wins Virginia’s Top Award for Student Affairs

Emory & Henry College’s director of housing has been named Outstanding Student Affairs Professional of the Year by the Virginia Association of Student Personnel Administrators (VASPA), adding another honor to a growing list of achievements for members of the E&H student life staff.

Jimmy Whited received the award at the annual conference of VASPA and the Virginia Association of College and University Housing Officers (VACUHO) in Wintergreen, Va. on Nov. 16-18.  Also honored during the conference was Todd Clark, E&H assistant dean of students, who was given the 2011 VACUHO Service Excellence Award.

These announcements come on the heels of recognition for student residential advisor Chris Poff, who was honored for “Oustanding Performance” by the Virginia Association of College and University Housing Officers. The award is given to one Virginia student each year and is the highest award a student can receive for work in the realm of residence life.

VASPA is a statewide organization dedicated to supporting, educating and representing all student affairs professionals who work at Virginia colleges and universities.

The group is committed to maximizing the quality of student life at Virginia colleges and universities through the support it gives to student affairs professionals, faculty, staff and students.

“The kind of impact we have on students is not always known, but it’s nice to be recognized by your colleagues,” Whited said.

Besides working as the director of housing, Whited serves as an academic advisor, and works with campus groups like Up til’ Dawn and the Gay and Straight Alliance. He is currently working on preparations related to the upcoming construction of the recently announced Hickory Hall dormitory.

“At an institution such as Emory & Henry, we have advantages over many schools in our ability to get to know our students on a one-to-one basis,” Whited commented.

Whited has been named the President-elect for Virginia Association of College & University Housing Officers.