April 17, 2023

Each year, NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, recognizes individuals who are doing outstanding work in the student affairs profession. Dr. Anna Gonzalez, WashU’s vice chancellor for student affairs, was selected as a recipient of the 2023 Scott Goodnight Award for Outstanding Performance as a Dean.

This award, named for Scott Goodnight – NASPA’s founding chair of the Board of Directors (1919-1920) and former dean of men at the University of Wisconsin, is presented to a dean or senior student affairs officer who has demonstrated sustained professional achievement in student affairs work, innovative response in meeting students’ varied and emerging needs, effectiveness in developing staff, and leadership in community and college or university affairs. The recipient must also have earned stature among and support of students, faculty, and fellow administrators on campus and made significant contributions to the field through publications or involvement in professional associations. This award is the highest honor NASPA bestows on a dean or senior student affairs officer.

Dr. Anna Gonzalez (she/her/hers), or “Dr. G” as she is known to students, is a nationally recognized student affairs leader with over 30 years of experience in higher education. As WashU’s vice chancellor for student affairs, Dr. G’s primary focus is to provide leadership to the university’s renowned Division of Student Affairs, engage with students to recognize their needs to enhance their experiences, spearhead transformative giving opportunities with University Advancement, and implement innovative strategies to ensure WashU is a leader in providing a 21st century higher education experience. Within her diverse portfolio, Gonzalez oversees WashU’s Center for Career Engagement, health and wellness, Residential Life, the Center for Diversity & Inclusion, Athletics & Recreation, Campus Life, and Bear Beginnings — WashU’s orientation program for first-year students. 

Gonzalez was presented with the award in April during the 2023 NASPA Annual Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.