10/24/13 td/kb
Three representatives from Fort Hays State University were selected to receive regional awards from the National Association of Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA). Honors include the Support Staff Recognition Award and two Rising Star Awards.

The honorees will receive their awards at the NASPA Regional Conference from Nov. 5 to Nov. 7 in Hot Springs, Ark.

Chris Gist, administrative assistant to the vice president for student affairs, will receive the Support Staff Recognition Award. The award recognizes that she has "contributed significantly to higher education and student affairs professionals."

Gist has devoted her time to the university community in many ways, including helping with living and learning communities, contributing to a statewide Peer Mentor Institute, coordinating details of the Division of Student Affairs Kick-Off -- a retreat for all staff in the division -- and supporting the AmeriCorps Serve to Succeed program. Gist also works as a primary contact person for the treasurers of Circle K International and Omicron Delta Kappa.

In nominating Gist, Dr. Tisa Mason, vice president for student affairs, said Gist has "tireless dedication and a lot of heart." Brett Bruner, director of persistence and retention, also recommended Gist as "the glue that holds together the administrative components" of the Fort Hays State chapter of Circle K.

Josh Doak, Rush, Colo., senior, was selected as the Kansas undergraduate student to receive a Rising Star Award for "achievement, involvement and potential in our emerging and future Student Affairs professionals." Doak met the requirements of campus involvement and campus leadership. He plans to pursue a career in student affairs.

Doak serves as the president of the Interfraternity Council in addition to working in the Admissions Office, the Center for Student Involvement, the Student Recreation Center and as an Anderson VIP Student Ambassador. Vince Bowhay, assistant director of the Memorial Union, said that Doak "is determined to make a difference in our profession and our world."

Darryl Glenn, St. Louis, Mo., graduate student, will receive the Kansas Rising Star Award for graduate students. Glenn plans a career in student affairs. He is very active in campus activities and leadership.

Edie McCracken, director of the Memorial Union, nominated Glenn because he "seeks out opportunities to collaborate with other departments and to learn from professionals across the division on a regular basis." She cited his service as a graduate assistant for the University Activities Board coordinating several programs in the Memorial Union and supervising the usher staff for Encore Series performances.