Chiquita Baylor wins ACPA’s Advocacy Sawubona Award

Salve Regina’s Chiquita Baylor, director of student engagement, was recently presented with the Advocacy Sawubona Award by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). The Sawubona Award, facilitated through ACPA’s Pan African Network, was given to her when she attended the organization’s Annual Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 2-5.

Sawubona is a South African Zulu greeting that in translation means “I/We see you,” an acknowledgement of one another’s existence and an understanding of their presence. The Sawubona Award recognizes those who work diligently to illuminate concerns and champion for the elimination of barriers confronting marginalized populations. It honors the work of individuals of African heritage across various roles within higher education throughout the academic year.

“I was shocked and honored that someone would nominate me for an Advocacy Award,” Baylor said. “I never thought that the things that I do for students and others were award-winning. Matter of fact, I don’t think about it at all — they just seem like the right things to do.”

Born and raised in Virginia, Baylor holds a bachelor of arts degree from George Mason University and a master of education from Pennsylvania State University. Baylor joined Salve Regina’s Office of Student Engagement team as director in 2015 after serving as assistant director of student engagement at Northeastern University and as program coordinator in the Office of Orientation and Family Programs and Services at George Mason.

“It has always been my mission to use my privilege, my voice and my seat at the table to help others who do not have a voice in that space,” she said. “I am so thankful to my nominator(s) for seeing my work, taking the time to consider me and writing a recommendation for me.”

Malcolm Smith, vice president for student affairs, has always appreciated Baylor’s approach to developing students, and he believes that she is a tremendous member of the Salve Regina community. 

“She is a true student advocate and makes sure to speak up on their behalf, especially in situations where she feels that they are not being heard or represented,” Smith said. “She is thoughtful about their current levels of development and about where they are going with their growth. We are fortunate to have her on this campus, and the students speak to the benefit of working with her regularly.”

Headquartered at the National Center for Higher Education in Washington, D.C., ACPA is the leading comprehensive student affairs association working to advance student affairs and engage students for a lifetime of learning and discovery.