Vice Provost for University Life Karu Kozuma was named the recipient of the 2025 APIKC Doris Michiko Ching Shattering the Glass Ceiling Award. Presented by NASPA’s Asian Pacific Islanders Knowledge Community (APIKC), the award recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on the Asian/Pacific Islander/Desi American community and the student affairs profession through leadership, service, and scholarship.

The award, named in honor of Dr. Doris Michiko Ching, the first Asian American NASPA president, was presented during this year’s NASPA Annual Conference in New Orleans on Tuesday, March 18. Karu was recognized for his decades of commitment to student engagement, mentorship, and leadership in higher education.

With over 25 years of experience in student affairs, serving in various roles at Middlebury College, Columbia University, Amherst College, and here at Penn, Karu has been actively involved in NASPA since 2005 and previously served as the National Co-Chair for the Asian Pacific Islander Knowledge Community from 2009–2011.

NASPA’s APIKC “seeks to educate and inform NASPA members about the current issues, trends, and research facing Asian Pacific Islanders in higher education” and supports professionals and students by fostering mentorship, sharing research, and encouraging dialogue on key topics in higher education. Through this award, the organization celebrates Karu’s contributions to the field and his dedication to supporting students and colleagues.

Learn more about APIKC and this year’s other award winners here.

Congratulations to our Vice Provost on this well-deserved honor!

Tamara Greenfield King, J.D., Senior Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs with the Division of University Life, was an honoree in the inaugural cohort of the Goldstone Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA) Foundation’s Legacy of Excellence awards. This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals who have made significant and enduring contributions to the field of student conduct administration and higher education.

King was one of seven distinguished recipients honored for their impactful scholarship and research, and/or leadership within ASCA and other organizations. Her career includes two decades of service at Washington University in St. Louis, where she held key roles such as Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Support and Wellness. At Penn, King oversees several University Life units, including the Office of Student Affairs, Career Services, Naval ROTC, Platt Student Performing Arts House, and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.  She is also a lecturer in the Graduate School of Education.

A trailblazer in her field, King served nine years on the ASCA Board of Directors and was the organization’s first African American President (2009–2010). She has authored numerous works on topics such as student conduct administration, social justice, Title IX, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in collegiate leadership.  Before transitioning to higher education, King practiced law, established her own law firm, and became the first African American Assistant District Attorney in Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

The Legacy of Excellence awardees were celebrated during the ASCA Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon, from February 5–8, 2025. King’s recognition underscores her profound impact on the profession and her commitment to advancing the field of student conduct and student affairs.

To learn more about the Raymond H. Goldstone ASCA Foundation and see the complete list of honorees, visit Legacy of Excellence – ASCA Goldstone Foundation.