Edith Sayre Auslander was a Tucsonan native who lived a life of firsts, each one widening the path for those who would follow. As a student, award-winning journalist, professor, mentor, and University of Arizona vice president, she moved through Tucson and the university community with purpose and quiet determination. A proud graduate of the School of Journalism, she distinguished herself early as the first recipient of the Daily Wildcat Donald Still Award and later as an inductee into the Wildcat Hall of Fame. Her distinguished journalism career - from managing editor at the Arizona Catholic Lifetime to editor at the Arizona Daily Star - was marked not only by professional excellence, but by integrity and a deep belief in the power of voice. When she joined the School of Journalism faculty, she brought that same commitment into the classroom, shaping generations of students to lead with courage and clarity.
Her legacy at the University of Arizona is profound and enduring. As one of the 15 founders of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the first self-identified Hispanic woman to serve both on the Arizona Board of Regents and as a University of Arizona vice president, Edith broke barriers with grace and resolve. She championed programs and scholarships that expanded access and opportunity for minority students, always centering equity and representation. Her leadership helped establish the Commission on the Status of Women and contributed to the creation of the Women’s Plaza of Honor - lasting symbols of her dedication to inclusion and recognition. Edith Sayre Auslander believed institutions are strongest when they reflect the full diversity of their communities. The awards that bear her name continue her life’s work: lifting others, amplifying voices, and ensuring that leadership is both inclusive and transformative.
2027 Awards Timeline
- July: Call for nominations sent (survey text example)
- September: Deadline for nominations
- September: Awardees notified
- October: Award Ceremony
Eligibility
Two awards are given: Established Visionary and Emerging Visionary. Current University employees are eligible to be nominated for these awards.
Established Visionary is open to those with the title of dean, department head, director, and chair, and those in positions with significant personnel oversight responsibilities. Should have demonstrated a longstanding commitment (5 years or more) of leadership, community building, and advancement in CSW goals outlined below.
Emerging Visionary is open to those in staff and faculty positions. May not have the expanse of control over a department or unit but will have demonstrated a strong support and encouragement for community building, and advancement in CSW goals outlined below.
Evidence of Visionary Characteristics
Campus Climate: Share how the individual has created or sustained a workplace culture that prioritizes diversity, inclusion, and respect beyond expectations. This may include things like actively implementing initiatives, policies, or programs that promote equity, belonging, and a supportive environment for all. Provide concrete examples and measurable outcomes such as increased engagement, policy changes, or cultural shifts that clearly illustrate their lasting impact on campus climate
Professional Development: Provide examples of how the individual fosters a culture of continuous learning, growth, and personal advancement within their department, university, or professional community. They create and support initiatives that enhance skill development, career progression, and lifelong learning, such as mentorship programs, workshops, training sessions, or innovative learning opportunities. Share how their efforts empower individuals to achieve their professional goals, adapt to evolving challenges, and expand their expertise.
Vision for Equity and Inclusion: Provide examples that show the individual fosters a workplace that balances individual needs with the achievement of unit goals. They actively advocate for equitable policies, inclusive practices, and supportive work environments that ensure individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered to succeed. Share how their efforts illustrate their meaningful and lasting impact on equity and inclusion.
Emerging Visionary Award: Cori Dennis, High School Outreach and Summer Programs Coordinator, College of Engineering
Established Visionary Award: Lori Poloni-Staudinger, Dean, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
2026 Nominees and Awardees were recognized October 8, 2026 at our awards ceremony. You can view all the participants and quotes from their nomination letters: 2026 Mentoring & Visionary Awards presentation
2025
- Emerging Visionary Award: Amanda M. Stevens, Assistant Dean Finance, James E. Rogers College of Law
- Established Visionary Award: Hina Arif, Assistant Dean WIMS, College of Medicine-Tucson
2024
- Emerging Visionary Award: April N. Horne, Associate Director of ENGAGED (ENGineering Access, Greater Equity and Diversity)
- Established Visionary Award: Tejal M. Parikh, Director for Comprehensive Education, Associate Dean of Admissions, College of Medicine-Tucson
2023
- Emerging Visionary Award: Veronica Atondo, Assistant Director, Undergraduate Engagement and Belongingness
- Established Visionary Award: Carmin M. Chan, Senior Director, Online Student Success Initiative
2022
- Emerging Visionary Award: Felicia Goodrum, Interim Associate Department Head, Department of Immunobiology
- Established Visionary Award: Celina Ramirez, Vice President, University Initiatives
2021
- Established Visionary Award: Leah Fabiano-Smith, Associate Professor, Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
2020
- Emerging Visionary Award: Michele Walsh, Associate Professor, Family Studies and Human Development - Community Research, Evaluation & Development (CRED)
- Established Visionary Award: Susie Salmon, Director of Legal Writing and Clinical Professor of Law
2019
- Emerging Visionary Award: Celeste Kanzig, Manager, Purchasing, Procurement and Contracting Services
- Established Visionary Award: Mary Koithan, Associate Dean, College of Nursing
2018
- Emerging Visionary Award: Gurtina Besla, Assistant Professor, Astronomy
- Established Visionary Award: Nadia Alvarez Mexia, Director, Study Arizona: Short-Term Programs and Latin America Initiatives, Office of Global Initiatives
2017
- Emerging Visionary Award: Ashlee Linares-Gaffer, Assistant Professor of Practice, Nutritional Sciences
- Established Visionary Award: Dorothy Briggs, Director, Think Tank
2016
- Emerging Visionary Award: Shireen Keyl, Assistant Staff Scientist, Teaching Teams Program, Lunar & Planetary Laboratory
- Established Visionary Award: Lisa Ordóñez, Vice Dean, Eller College of Management, Professor, Management/Organizations
2014
- Hannah Lozon, Coordinator of Social Justice Education at Residence Life
- Chris Tisch, Assistant Dean for Student and Alumni Affairs at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health
2013
- Anne L. Wright, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs at the UA College of Medicine - Tucson
2012
- Thomas P. Miller, Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs
- Allison Vaillancourt, Vice President of Human Resources
2011
- Leslie Eldenburg, Interim Dean of the Eller College of Management
- Christine Salvesen, Director of Academic Success and Achievement
2010
- Marie Chisholm-Burns, Head of Pharmacy Practice and Science
- Carla Stoffle, Dean of the University of Arizona Libraries
2009
- Becky Bell, Associate Athletic Director
- Leslie Porter, Director of Human Resources Consulting and Talent Management
2008
- Sue Kroeger, Director of the Disability Resources Center, Adjunct Professor College of Education and acting compliance officer for the University's Americans with Disabilities Act
2007
- Nancy Daru Yaeli, Assistant Director, Vice President, Constituent Relations, Alumni Association
- Beth Mitchneck, Associate Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences
2006
- Paul Kohn, Assistant Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid
- Joanne Lagasse-Long, Director of the International Student Programs and Services Office
2005
- Margaret “Casey” Kilcullen-Steiner, Assistant Director of Facilities at University Animal Care
- Sally Stevens, Executive Director of the Southwest Institute for Women
- Raji Rhys-Wietecha, Assistant Director of the Diversity Resource Office
- Special Award: Peter Likins, “Living the Vision and Showing Others the Way”
2004
- Caroline Garcia, Associate Director for Finance and Administration
- Marie G. Swanson,Dean of College of Public Health
2003
- Jacqueline Chadwick, Associate Vice President for the Arizona Health Sciences Center Phoenix Campus
- Charles Tatum, Dean of the College of Humanities
- Maria Teresa Vélez, Associate Dean of the Graduate College
2002
- Kathryn Bayles, Head of Speech and Hearing Sciences
- Joaquin Ruiz, Dean of College of Science
- Melissa Vito, Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students
2001
- Elizabeth Lapovsky Kennedy, Head of Women’s Studies
- Rebecca "Becky" Potter, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at the College of Medicine
- Pamela Powers, Program Director of the Arizona Tobacco Information Network
2000
- Gail Barker
- Marie Rozenblit
1999
- Larry Evers, Head of the English Department
- Daniel Stein, Head of the Physics Department
- Magdalena Vargas, Special Assistant to the Registrar
- Susan Wilson-Sanders