The assistant director of West Virginia Universitys Center for Black Culture and Research, Todd McFadden, recently received the West Virginia Association of Student Personnel Administrators (WVASPA) statewide award for outstanding professional service.

“I am very happy that Mr. McFadden was chosen for this award,”said Katherine Bankole, Center director.”He has shown that he is a true professional and is excellent at what he does. I nominated him for this award to thank him for the service that he has provided to this University, the Center and especially our students. He is truly an asset.”

As assistant director, McFadden develops programs and outreach efforts to ensure student success, including coordinating the PASSkey (Personalized Academic Support Service) program that helps African/African American freshman and transfer students adjust to college life.

He came to WVU from the University of Maryland in June 2000 where he was assistant director of the Nyumburu Cultural Center. From 1995-1998, McFadden was director of the African American Center at Tufts University in Massachusetts.

From 1993-95, he directed Towson State Universitys African American Cultural Center, and was operations coordinator for Johns Hopkins University in 1993. McFadden also was a residential student advisor and counselor with the Jobs Corps.

He earned a bachelors degree in African American Studies and African American Music History from Ohios Oberlin College in 1988, and is currently working on a masters degree in industrial relations from WVU .

WVASPA is a statewide group of student personnel staff and students that provide services and resources to those who work in Student Affairs and Student Services at both public and private colleges and universities.

McFaddens award recognizes outstanding contributions of student affairs staff members with less than five years of experience in the field.