The Presidential Service Award "The Ruby"

Presidential Service Award

CoHEsion acknowledges the abilities of outstanding higher education professionals each year through the Presidential Service Award. The Award is designed to recognize the following:


  • Notable and ongoing service, leadership and vision for CoHEsion
  • Demonstrated outstanding leadership and vision in an area or activity for CoHEsion
  • Determined commitment to CoHEsion and its members to promote continuous learning and growth opportunities


Qualified nominees are current CoHEsion members that have regularly attended the CoHEsion conference. 

Please Note – Awards cannot be granted to the same individual within three (3) years. Current CoHEsion board members are not eligible for the award.

Past Recipients

Barton/Nelson Leadership & Service Award


  • 2018 Sam Brito - Texas Tech University
  • 2018 Michael Gaines - University of North Carolina Greensboro
  • 2017 Linda Griffin - Washburn University
  • 2017 Bob Landuyt - Concordia University System
  • 2016 Joe Belnap - Utah Valley University
  • 2016 Brian Enderson - Texas Tech University
  • 2015 Larry Holder - University of Tennessee Martin
  • 2015 Ali Penton - University of West Florida
  • 2014 Marianne Gillfillan - Concordia University System
  • 2014 Lynn Sosebee - Midwestern State University
  • 2013 Paige Bussell - Texas A&M University - Commerce
  • 2013 Kay Hume - Tennessee Tech University


D. Mark Barton Award for Leadership


  • 2012 Ron Town - University of Idaho
  • 2011 Karen Nunn - Georgia Board of Regents
  • 2010 Melinda Colby - Stephen F. Austin State University
  • 2009 Raymond Ruff - Presbyterian College
  • 2008 Scott Hummel - North Carolina A & T State University
  • 2007 Bobbie Brown - Texas Tech University
  • 2006 Bob Schneider - Western Washington University
  • 2005 Eric Rosenberg - Stevens Institute of Technology
  • 2004 Jeff Williams - Appalachian State University
  • 2003 Marvin Hawkins - Salt Lake Community College
  • 2002 Colette Williams - University of Memphis
  • 2001 Julie Lorton-Rowland - Ivy Tech Community College
  • 2000 Michelle del Giudice - Pepperdine University


Gunnell Nelson Award for Service


  • 2012 Carole Wardroup - Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
  • 2011 Jennifer Stillman - Southern Illinois University
  • 2010 Kathleen O'Donnell - Pacific Lutheran University
  • 2009 Jim Kittelsrud - Snow College
  • 2008 Stacy Cornelius - Indiana State University
  • 2007 April Sims - Southern Utah University
  • 2006 Kim Christie - Mercer University
  • 2005 Penny Ginn - Presbyterian College
  • 2004 Rick Cashion - Tennessee Technological University
  • 2003 Terry Bell - Dixie State College
  • 2002 Mark Snyder - Rowan University
  • 2001 Judy Ewart - College of William and Mary
  • 2000 Maxine Stolk - Southern Utah University

Award History

In 2018 the CoHEsion Board changed the name of the award to the Presidential Service Award. 

Prior to 2018, CoHEsion presented two annual awards for outstanding leadership and service to further the goals of the user base. These two awards honored Gunnell Nelson and Mark Barton, who had a long and successful tenure in the leadership of the CoHEsion organization. The first awards were given at the SETA SISU 2000 conference in Orlando. Beginning in 2013, the award was combined into a single award honoring CoHEsion members who have shown great leadership and service to our community.