USF St. Petersburg Dean of Students Jake Diaz has been recognized as a “Pillar of the Profession” by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Foundation, the leading association for the advancement and sustainability of the student affairs profession in higher education.
The Pillar of the Profession award honors those who have created a lasting impact on their institution and demonstrated sustained professional distinction in the field of student affairs. Each year, the foundation recognizes a select group of distinguished individuals who have served as leaders, teachers and scholars in higher education.
This year, Diaz was one of 20 recipients from across the nation to earn this prestigious honor.
“My first reaction was just wow, to be completely honest,” said Diaz. “You get nominated by your colleagues and letters are sent in on your behalf. And I recently got to read those letters and I was just bowled over. To be thought of in this way by those I have gotten to know over the years is really special.”
Diaz, who is also the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Student Success, has been at USF St. Petersburg since 2014. In his roles, Diaz oversees and provides strategic leadership for a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services that enhance student success, such as housing and residential life, student conduct, student outreach and support and military and veteran’s success.
“My role is to pay attention to and understand the pulse of what is going on with students and intervene when life challenges get in their way of pursuing their degree,” explained Diaz. “I provide guidance to students individually and connect them with colleagues around campus who can provide support and resources to help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.”
Diaz helps to address serious issues that arise throughout the academic year, from evacuating students in the event of a hurricane to ensuring resources are available and in place for mental health and Title IX situations.
“Anyone who knows Jake understands that he is someone very genuine, authentic and calm. He may not be the most talkative in a group, but he is a terrific listener and when he speaks, people take notice because it is always very thoughtful,” said Patti Helton, Regional Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Student Success.
“This recognition is really quite an honor, as it is given by his peers,” added Helton. “It speaks to how respected Jake is across the country.”
Prior to coming to USF St. Petersburg, Diaz was the Vice President for Student Development at Seattle University. He also served as the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the Center for Student Ethics & Standards at the University of Vermont. Diaz earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies at the University of Vermont, where he was also a Bill & Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar and was honored as the doctoral student of the year.
Diaz will be honored at the 2020 NASPA Annual Conference in Austin, Texas, which is expected to draw around 6,000 attendees.