SUA’s Asawa Recognized for Wide-Ranging Contributions to Higher Education

Archibald Asawa, vice president for finance and administration and CFO, received the 2022 Service to the National Association of College and University Business Officers Award this July in recognition of his outstanding contributions to higher education.

“I am truly honored and humbled to be recognized,” said Asawa, who was awarded alongside other honorees during the annual meeting of the organization in Denver. “I have always viewed my 20-plus years of volunteer service with NACUBO and Western Association of College and University Business Officers (WACUBO) as simply a way to show my appreciation to our higher education business community from whom I have learned so much.”

NACUBO is a nonprofit professional organization representing chief administrative and financial officers at over 1,700 US universities and colleges. It works to bolster the economic health and business practices of higher education institutions nationwide.

NACUBO President and CEO Susan Whealler shared in a press release that the organization takes great pride in honoring outstanding role models for higher education. “Their contributions are demonstrations of sound higher education fiscal management that we can all learn from, and we are so glad they are NACUBO members,” Whealler said.

Asawa was one of seven business and finance leaders and two universities that received NACUBO awards in categories recognizing endowment management, excellence in sustainability, and service, among others. His contributions to the higher education community are longstanding and varied, serving as a member of the NACUBO board of directors; as president and board member of WACUBO; and as a member and chair of the Small Institutions Council. Asawa has helped guide NACUBO’s content programming and offered expertise to its Fellows and New Business Officers Programs.

Asked about the significance of the award, Asawa said it transcends recognition for his efforts alone. “Through this volunteer work, many college and university business officers were able to gain an appreciation about Soka and our mission and values,” Asawa said.