K.C. Mmeje, vice president for student affairs at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, has been named a recipient of the 2024 Pillars of the Profession Award by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Foundation.
The award, which is conferred by NASPA members and supporters, acknowledges remarkable individuals within the student affairs and higher education community who demonstrate exceptional contributions to both the profession and the organization.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized by my peers,” Dr. Mmeje said. “I am also grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and students who helped shape my journey. I am especially pleased to be recognized by NASPA, which has been pivotal in my personal and professional growth for over 20 years.”
Dr. Mmeje has served as vice president for student affairs at Southern Methodist University since 2017. Earlier, Mmeje was the assistant vice president and dean of students at Loyola University Chicago. He began his career at the University of Vermont as the assistant director of the Office of Judicial Affairs from 2003-04. He later served at the University of Southern California, first as assistant director of student judicial affairs and community standards and then as student affairs advisor and special projects coordinator for the vice president of student affairs.
Dr. Mmeje holds a bachelor’s in sociology and Black studies from the University of California-Santa Barbara. He earned a master’s degree in higher education student affairs administration from the University of Vermont and completed a doctorate in educational leadership at the University of Southern California.
