For the 2016-17 year, The University of Texas at Austin was selected as a Lead Consulting Institution member of the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA) Lead Initiative. The Initiative is composed of nearly 100 institutions which have shown a dedication to promote civic learning and democratic engagement.

“This is not only a wonderful honor, but is another example of the ways in which the DDCE collaborates with units across campus, in this case the Division of Student Affairs and Office of the Dean of Students, to provide the best programming, support, and opportunities for all UT students,” said Dr. Suchitra Gururaj, Assistant Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement.

Gururaj added that this honor is further confirmation of UT Austin’s excellence in regard to its civic and community engagement. UT has previously earned the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification as well as the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.

Amory Baril, Assistant Director, Student Engagement Programs at DDCE led the application process in partnership with Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Dr. Soncia Reagins-Lilly and Katie O’Malley, ‎Coordinator of Leadership Development at the Office of the Dean of Students.