WWU's José Rodriguez receives 2010 Ned Tibby Award

Western Washington University admissions advisor José Rodriguez was presented with the Ned Tibby Award at the College Board’s 30th Annual Summer Institute on College Admissions and School Relations in San Diego, Calif., recently. The award, first given in 1986 by the Guidance and Admission Council of the Western Regional Assembly of the College Board, was named to honor the many contributions of the late Ned Tibby.

The annual award celebrates an outstanding member of the Summer Institute class who demonstrates a commitment to the aspirations and values of admission work and exhibits high potential for leadership. The Summer Institute is a five-day professional development opportunity designed to help newly hired admission and outreach staff develop the skills necessary to build strong institutional partnerships and gain a comprehensive understanding of the role that admission professionals play in the higher education.

“Each year as the Summer Institute faculty considers the Ned Tibby Award, we have the chance to reflect back on what the award represents and, to an extent, what Ned Tibby was all about,” said Stephen F. Pultz, director of admissions at the University of San Diego and dean of the Summer Institute. “In selecting José as this year’s recipient, I think we captured the sense of professionalism, leadership and commitment that Ned valued so much in young professionals.”

“José rose to the top of a very strong group through his thoughtful comments, support for his fellow participants and engagement with faculty,” he continued. “As we learned more about his own remarkable journey, we understood his passion for helping students and families through the higher education process. Ned would certainly be proud of José and would have recognized his skills and passion for helping others, and these qualities will serve him well as he starts his career in admission. The faculty are all very proud of him and look forward to the contributions he will make to our profession.”

Lisa D. Meyer, vice president for enrollment at Whittier College and faculty member at the institute, said, “José’s own remarkable journey as a first-generation college student informs his understanding of students and the challenges they face. He is an advocate for his university, but also for higher education in general, encouraging students from all walks of life to live up to their potential and to strive to fulfill their dreams. As a quiet and thoughtful leader, José motivates his peers to think deeply about what they do and motivates them to inspire students. His commitment to young people is evident in all that he does, and his abilities are boundless.”

Eddie Arteaga, College Board educational manager and director of the Summer Institute, said, “José is an inspiration to others who may follow in his footsteps. With his dedication and passion, he attacks the issues facing all of us in higher education with the energy and insight of a future leader of our profession.”

Ned Tibby was director of the College Board’s Denver Office, associate director of the Western Regional Office, Educational Testing Service-Berkeley associate and a high school counselor. He was known as an estimable professional with an abundant sense of humor and a kind, generous spirit. A mentor to many in the enrollment management field, Tibby had a special interest in identifying and training newly hired admission personnel.

Rodriguez will attend the College Board’s Western Regional Forum in San Francisco, Calif., Feb. 25–26, 2011, where he will conduct a session about admission as part of the formal conference program.