Nov. 5, 2025
AURORA, Colo. – Dra. Reyna Anaya, Vice President of Student Success for the Community College of Aurora (CCA), is the recipient of the 2025 Region IV-West Community College Professional Award. The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) presented the award during the NASPA Region IV-West Conference, held Oct. 5–7, 2025, at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
The NASPA IV-West Community College Professional Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates outstanding contributions to student affairs and higher education within the community college sector. Dra. Anaya was celebrated among peers for her commitment to advancing equity, fostering student success and modeling authentic, values-driven leadership.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized by NASPA Region IV-West,” said Dra. Anaya. “Serving as a community college professional at CCA has transformed my purpose in higher education and strengthened my commitment to leading authentically. It has been an incredible privilege to design intentional services that promote student success and advance equity in meaningful ways.”
She added that being an active member of NASPA has profoundly shaped her leadership journey. “This community has provided me with invaluable professional development opportunities and, perhaps most importantly, lasting connections with colleagues who share a deep passion for this work and the importance of doing it with purpose and corazón (heart).”
Lori Lander, NASPA IV-West Regional Director, praised Dra. Anaya’s contributions to both the field and her institution. “Dr. Anaya is a transformative leader whose 18-year career has advanced equity, innovation, and holistic student success at the highest level. At CCA, she expanded case management services resulting in a 193% increase in referrals, launched a parenting student support program that boosted retention by 13%, and tackled food insecurity by creating the Foxy Mobile Market and snack stations across three locations. Her leadership has not only shaped programs and policies but has also transformed the lives of countless students and professionals in the community college space.”
This year’s NASPA IV-West Conference, themed “Gateway to Passion, Values, & Connections in Student Affairs,” focused on rediscovering the values that ground student affairs work and fostering meaningful connections among professionals.
About the Community College of Aurora
The Community College of Aurora (CCA) provides high-quality instruction and student support services to Aurora, Centennial, and Denver, Colorado. With a vision to aspire to be a college where every student succeeds, CCA is the most diverse college in the State of Colorado. Focused on creating social and economic mobility for its students, the college offers courses on three (3) campuses, online, and through its high school concurrent-enrollment programs. For more information, visit www.ccaurora.edu.
About NASPA
Founded in 1919, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Representing more than 15,000 members across 1,200 institutions in all 50 states, 25 countries, and 8 U.S. territories, NASPA provides professional development, research, and advocacy to support student learning and success in higher education. NASPA promotes inclusive, evidence-based practices that enhance the student experience and strengthen institutional effectiveness. Learn more at https://www.naspa.org/.
Contact
Courtney Butler
Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Special Initiatives
Strategic Communications and Alumni Engagement
P: 303-340-7201 | E: [email protected]