Dan Maxwell Recognized With Highest ACUI Award

DSAES News
July 21, 2022

Earlier this month at their international conference, Dan Maxwell was honored by the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) with their highest award for leadership and service. Founded in 1914, ACUI is a nonprofit educational organization that brings together college union and student activities professionals from hundreds of schools in seven countries. ACUI is the professional home to thousands of campus community builders around the world.

The Butts-Whiting Award was established in 1968 as the association’s pinnacle achievement, recognizing long-term commitment to the union and activities profession as well as service to ACUI. Porter Butts and Edgar Whiting, its namesakes, were the first recipients of the award, and ACUI has gone on to recognize 50 additional honorees.

Maxwell, who had a distinguished career even prior to moving to Houston to serve as associate vice president for student affairs at the University of Houston and associate vice chancellor for the University of Houston System, is now tackling a new, third role as interim vice president for student affairs at the University of Houston – Clear Lake.

At the ACUI Awards Ceremony, Maxwell was introduced by Ann Comerford, executive director of the Student Union at the University of Illinois at Springfield. She named him “a champion of the association, advocating for, and encouraging research in the field to grow and be used to make critical decisions,” and having “mentored several to be outstanding members of our profession.”

She added, “I cannot think of anyone more deserving at this time. He has exceeded the stated criteria. He is a man of integrity, determination, and joy – everything we want to be known for as an association. He is our standard and who I aspire to always be more like.”

University of Houston System Vice Chancellor and University of Houston Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services Richard Walker agreed, stating, “Dr. Maxwell’s exceptional leadership as a student affairs professional during his career, and for the University of Houston, the University of Houston – Clear Lake, and the University of Houston System is unparalleled, so I am thrilled that his work and accomplishments are being honored with this esteemed award from ACUI.”