Carlos García, vice chancellor for student affairs, was recognized with the top honor by the National Association of College Auxiliary Services with the 2020 Robert F. Newton Award for Distinguished Service at the C3X 2020 Virtual Annual Conference & Expo.
“This is quite an honor, an honor I am not sure that I deserve. Being recognized by my colleagues in this way is extremely humbling for me,” García said. “I was very surprised when I heard this and was literally speechless. I just want to thank everyone I’ve worked with at NACAS, both volunteers and staff, and say that it has been a real pleasure working with all of them.”
Throughout his career spanning 39 years in auxiliary services and student affairs, García has worked in student unions, student programs, food services, housing, worked with student governments, Greek Life, and has overseen multiple auxiliary operations. His professional career started in 1981 at the University of North Texas, then he spent 15 years at the University of Texas at El Paso, then 18 years at the University of Colorado Boulder. He joined UCCS in 2016 as associate vice chancellor for administration and finance and was named vice chancellor for student affairs in May 2020, overseeing 11 traditional student affairs departments, as well as 18 auxiliary operations.
“Carlos is one of the most compassionate individuals I have had the pleasure of knowing,” said NACAS CEO Kelsey Harmon Finn. “His dedication to the campus’ he has served, NACAS, the auxiliary services industry, staff, students and his family is admirable. He is truly one-of-a-kind and deserving of the Robert F. Newton Award for Distinguished Service.”
García attended his first NACAS seminar in 1989 and first NACAS annual conference in 1992. He has worked on several committees, served in multiple positions on regional and national boards, and was one of the original subject-matter experts developing the CASP exam in 2010. He became treasurer of the NACAS Board of Directors in 2013 and just finished his term as past-president in 2020.
The Robert F. Newton Award for Distinguished Service is the most prestigious award recognizing an individual who has displayed extraordinary and outstanding service to NACAS and to the profession.
NACAS, headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a nonprofit higher education association serving auxiliary services and student support services professionals at colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland and Asia. NACAS provides extensive opportunities for members to share ideas, develop business solutions, enhance programs and revenues, and develop meaningful professional relationships.