Clemson University’s Kathy Bush Hobgood was recently announced as the individual recipient of the 2021 Presidential Service Award by the Association of College and University Housing Officers – International. ACUHO-I is the leading organization for more than 17,000 campus housing and residence life professionals around the world.
One individual and one institution are honored with the Presidential Service Award annually, and Hobgood was Clemson’s first recipient since Dr. Tony Cawthon in 2012. The award was presented to Hobgood in June by Dr. Suzanne Price — Clemson’s director of residential learning — as a surprise in front of housing and dining colleagues at the Core Campus Starbucks.
“This award is given to individuals that have made a lasting impact on ACUHO-I and the housing profession and epitomize the spirit of the volunteer-driven association, give willingly of themselves and their time on behalf of the profession,” said Price, who serves as knowledge enhancement director on the ACUHO-I executive board. “Kathy has been a role model for me, and I was happy to present her with this great honor.”
The award is the second honor from ACUHO-I this year for Hobgood, who was appointed Clemson’s interim associate vice president for auxiliary services in May. Earlier in the year, she earned the Carmen L. Vance Herstory Award, which is presented to an outstanding woman professional who has served the housing profession and assisted in supporting and creating opportunities for other woman leaders.
“So many of my mentors and role models have won this award — this is an amazing honor,” said Hobgood, who fought back tears while Price spoke. “I had the good fortune to work at the University of Florida under Jim Grimm, a legend in the housing profession. He created a work environment where it was assumed you’d give back to the larger housing community. As a young professional, to really provide service, write for journals, serve on committees and executive boards — (the award is) all the more meaningful with ACUHO-I having been part of my life for more than two decades.”