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.
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Penn President J. Larry Jameson joined the Penn Violence Prevention (PVP) team, University Life colleagues, and students on Locust Walk for the Teal Day of
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
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Eric Anglero (they/them) was appointed as the new Director of University of Pennsylvania’s LGBT Center, Associate Vice Provost for University Life Will Atkins announced. Following an extensive national search, Anglero brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and aspirations to the role.
Anglero joins Penn from Princeton University’s Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, where they provided training for community partners, supervised staff, and helped oversee its direction and mission. In addition to their role at Princeton, Anglero currently serves on an alumni board at Stockton University and the executive board at COLAGE, an organization for people with one or more queer parents and/or caregivers.
“I am elated to join the historic tradition at Penn and the incredible staff of the LGBT Center,” said Anglero. “I look forward to being a contributor to the work of the broader Cultural Resource Centers in University Life and look forward to meeting with the campus community.”
Anglero earned their Master of Arts in American Studies at Stockton University.
Additionally, Wesley (Wes) Alvers (they/them) will serve as the newly appointed Associate Director. They hold a Master of Social Work degree from Penn, specializing in macro practice for LGBTQ+ populations. Alvers previously served as the LGBT Center’s Program Coordinator, and they are committed to supporting and advocating for queer and trans communities at Penn.
Both Anglero and Alvers began their current roles on January 8. Continued gratitude is extended to Jake Muscato, Loren Grishow-Schade, and all LGBT Center staff who worked collaboratively to ensure seamless support for students throughout this transition. Malik Muhammad, who helped lead search efforts for the positions, will continue his work at Penn as the Director for Social Justice and Inclusion Initiatives in University Life.
University Life and the LGBT Center look forward to an exciting semester ahead with both new and existing staff at the helm.
