Washburn University Vice President of Student Life Earns Recognition from International Student Affairs Organization

The Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA) Foundation, an international organization for student affairs professionals, has recognized Dr. Eric Grospitch as a 2022 “Pillars of the Profession.” This is one of the foundation’s highest honors and recognizes Grospitch’s outstanding contributions to student affairs, higher education and NASPA over his career thus far.

“I am very pleased to see Eric recognized at this level for his outstanding efforts,” said Dr. Jerry Farley, president of Washburn University. “He has been a great asset to Washburn University since he joined us in 2016. Eric works tirelessly on behalf of our students to provide a welcoming, inclusive, safe and fun campus community.”

Grospitch was nominated for this honor by Dr. Lisa Erwin, vice chancellor for student life and dean of students at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

“I had the distinct honor of working with Eric when he was an undergraduate at Fort Hays State University,” said Erwin. “I hired him to be a resident assistant and subsequently, as program coordinator (the senior student position in the residence hall staff).

“Eric's strong leadership qualities were evident in his undergraduate days, and it has been an absolute delight to see Eric flourish and succeed in the student affairs profession. He is thoughtful, warm, insightful, and very bright. Throughout his entire career, beginning as an undergraduate student, Eric has been a passionate advocate for students, and especially those from marginalized communities. It has been an absolute joy to see Eric’s career as a student affairs professional flourish, and also to see his stalwart commitment, dedication, contributions and investment in NASPA provide a foundation for his work.”

NASPA recognized Grospitch for his many accomplishments that exemplify the criteria for the Pillar of the Profession award. Grospitch has provided significant service to NASPA through regional and national leadership roles. He has made significant contributions to the institutions where he has worked, including the University of Kansas, University of Missouri Kansas City and Washburn University. And, he has demonstrated sustained, lifetime professional distinction in the field of student affairs and higher education.

Each year at the NASPA Annual Conference, the NASPA Foundation recognizes a series of distinguished individuals who have served as leaders, teachers and scholars in student affairs and higher education. Each individual is nominated and supported for designation as a Pillar by colleagues, students, friends or others who find them deserving of this honor. The NASPA Foundation’s mission is to support student affairs professionals through the conferment of the financial awards.