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National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education

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NAPAHE Honors Adriel Hilton with 2025 Professional Achievement Award

NAPAHE Honors Dr. Adriel A. Hilton with 2025 Award for Professional Achievement

  • NAPAHE's Board Chair, Michael Sass, presenting Dr. Adriel A. Hilton with the 2025 Award for Professional Achievement.

    NAPAHE's Board Chair, Michael Sass, presenting Dr. Adriel A. Hilton with the 2025 Award for Professional Achievement.

  • Dr. Adriel A. Hilton (right) poses for a picture with NAPAHE's Board Chair, Michael Sass (left), after receiving the 2025 Award for Professional Achievement.

    Dr. Adriel A. Hilton (right) poses for a picture with NAPAHE's Board Chair, Michael Sass (left), after receiving the 2025 Award for Professional Achievement.

  • Dr. Adriel A. Hilton speaks to NAPAHE Conference Attendees after receiving the 2025 Award for Professional Achievement.

    Dr. Adriel A. Hilton speaks to NAPAHE Conference Attendees after receiving the 2025 Award for Professional Achievement.

On Friday, January 24, 2025, the National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education (NAPAHE) was proud to recognize Dr. Adriel A. Hilton with the 2025 Award for Professional Achievement. Each year, the NAPAHE honors prominent leaders, achievements, and service for contributions and impact our members make on campuses in both big and small ways. This year’s awardee has done all of this, and so much more. Dr. Hilton was in attendance to receive this award.

An excerpt from his nomination materials is included below:

Dr. Hilton’s tenure at Upper Iowa University as executive assistant to the president, chief diversity officer, and assistant secretary to the board of trustees exemplifies his significant contributions to higher education. Notably, during this time, Dr. Hilton also served as a board member and treasurer for NAPAHE, demonstrating his commitment to the organization and its mission. His contributions to NAPAHE were instrumental in shaping its financial and strategic direction, reinforcing his dedication to enhancing the professional development of those who support senior leaders in higher education.

Further illustrating his alignment with NAPAHE’s mission, Dr. Hilton also served as chief of staff and executive assistant to the president at Grambling State University. In this role, he continued to provide exceptional support to the university's leadership while actively participating in NAPAHE.

Currently, Dr. Hilton serves as the Director of Programs, Transition, and Youth Success Planning at the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families, where he supports Assistant Secretary Felice Upton.

Dr. Hilton’s extensive experience, significant contributions to NAPAHE, and unwavering commitment to higher education make him a deserving recipient of the NAPAHE Award for Professional Achievement. His career exemplifies the values and mission of NAPAHE, and recognizing him with this award would honor his remarkable achievements and contributions to the field.

Alan G. Walker, PhD, Past President of Upper Iowa University

We would like to congratulate Dr. Hilton for his accomplishments and thank him for his service to NAPAHE and higher education. 

For More information on NAPAHE's Awards and Grants, click the link below.

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2025 Conference Update: Weather Considerations and Reimbursement Policy

Published Friday, January 17, 2025
 
Dear NAPAHE Conference Attendees,
 
As we prepare for our upcoming NAPAHE conference, I want to address the current winter weather forecast and its potential impact on our event.
 
There’s a unique charm to winter weather, and while it can be beautiful, it may also bring challenges.
 
Our guiding principles in this scenario are “Safety First” and “The Show Must Go On.” With over four hundred members from across the United States and internationally planning to attend, we are closely monitoring the situation. The forecast suggests that some travel may be affected by cold temperatures and winter storms in certain regions of the country.
 
Please prioritize your safety and make prudent travel decisions. However, we are excited to confirm that the conference will proceed as planned for those who can make it.
 
It’s important to note that NAPAHE will not reimburse registration fees for weather-related delays, travel cancellations, or other circumstances outside of our control. We understand this might be disappointing, but this policy is necessary for managing the event effectively. For more information on our Registration Refund/Cancellation Policy, please visit the conference webpage.
 
We encourage everyone to plan accordingly and stay informed. For those unable to join us, we are exploring ways to share key content after the conference.
 
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to an enriching conference and hope to see as many of you as possible.
 
Safe travels and warm regards,
 
Michael Sass
Chair, Board of Directors
NAPAHE
 
Chief of Staff
University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis

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