The prize is sponsored by former NAFSA president and chair of the NAFSA board of directors, John Hudzik and his wife Anne, and will be awarded to individuals who have made sustained contributions to areas such as scholarship activity, administrative leadership, community engagement, and education.
Candidates from anywhere in the world can be nominated, either by individuals or organisations from any country.
Speaking at a launch event in New Orleans, Hudzik explained the need to recognise champions in the industry, saying “global society benefits from students and faculty having international experience incorporated into all facets of higher education.
“Anne and I are pleased to support and uplift those who are shaping internationalisation programmatically and conceptually. They have our immense gratitude for advancing global understanding at this critically important time,” Hudzik said.
The Hudzik Prize represents a generous and welcome investment in the future of international education on campuses all over the world
Fanta Aw, NAFSA CEO
The recipient will be chosen by a committee composed of senior HE professionals, with the the inaugural recipient to be honoured at the next NAFSA annual conference – taking place in San Diego, California in 2025.
“The Hudzik Prize represents a generous and welcome investment in the future of international education on campuses all over the world,” said Fanta Aw, NAFSA executive director and CEO.
“By recognising individual leaders who are pushing the practice forward, the Hudzik Prize will help ensure internationalisation continues to evolve to meet the needs of tomorrow’s students, institutions, and society.”
Details of any financial value, application process and timeline will be announced later this summer.
John Hudzik served as dean and vice president of international programs for the Michigan State University and already sponsors a similar award through MSU’s international awards system.
As a distinguished champion for internationalisation himself, he is celebrated as an authority on the planning and execution of impactful strategy in the field, and has authored several publications on the topic.