Student Affairs
March 26, 2025
University of Portland’s inaugural Vice President for Student Affairs & Inclusive Excellence, Dr. Alvin Sturdivant, has earned national recognition for more than 25 years of professional distinction in higher education and student affairs.
On March 18, Dr. Sturdivant accepted a NASPA Foundation “Pillars of the Profession” Award at the NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) annual conference in New Orleans. The NASPA Foundation honored Dr. Sturdivant for “exceptional leadership in advancing student success, fostering diversity, and championing the holistic development of students.”
Nominated by colleagues and students, Dr. Sturdivant learned of his Pillars of the Profession honor last fall as he completed 14 years of service at Seattle University, including seven years as the institution’s Vice Provost for Student and Campus Life. Dr. Sturdivant arrived on The Bluff February 1 to the newly created VP for Student Affairs & Inclusive Excellence role — assuming leadership over UP’s Division of Student Affairs that includes residence life, campus ministry, campus safety and student health and wellness.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Sturdivant called it “an incredible honor” to be recognized as one of 20 NASPA Foundation Pillars of the Profession recipients in 2025.
“I am deeply grateful for and humbled by this distinction, and I reflect on my journey with immense gratitude,” Dr. Sturdivant said. “Whether advocating for equitable access to education or creating the conditions that allow for all students to thrive, I have always been driven by a commitment to the well-being and success of students.”
“I join all members of the UP family in congratulating Dr. Sturdivant on this tremendous honor,” said UP President Dr. Robert D. Kelly, who himself was named a Pillar of the Profession in 2013. “Throughout his entire career, holistic student success, belonging, and formation have been Dr. Sturdivant’s north stars. This recognition is so richly deserved, and we are so blessed that Dr. Sturdivant is the leader of our student affairs and inclusive excellence efforts on The Bluff.”
Prior to landing in the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Sturdivant’s professional journey in student affairs included key leadership roles at Saint Louis University, University of Vermont, Syracuse University, and North Carolina State University.
“This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue advancing the work of our profession,” Dr. Sturdivant said. “I am excited to keep serving students and communities with passion and purpose.”
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