Shahzad Ahmad works with students in Multicultural Student Services. Ahmad earned the Professional Excellence Award for Administrative Service Faculty for his more than 20 years helping students of color succeed at St. Cloud State
Ahmad, director of St. Cloud State’s Multicultural Student Services (MSS), earned the inaugural Professional Excellence Award for Administrative Service Faculty from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) Board of Trustees.
“It is very gratifying that my work at St. Cloud State University has made an impact on those with whom I work, and those I serve, and that they see me as deserving of such an honor,” Ahmad said. “I have grown personally and professional throughout my service at St. Cloud State in a number of ways and greatly appreciate the supportive environment that has allowed me to do all that I do.”
The award honors service faculty for exceptional individual professional accomplishments and encourages ongoing excellence. Ahmad accepted the award during the MnSCU Board of Trustees’ Celebrating Excellence luncheon April 22. This is the first time the award has been presented.
“Shahzad has proven to be a strong leader for the university for the past 22 years and continues to move us forward in our efforts toward inclusivity and preparing students for life, work and citizenship in a global society,” said St. Cloud State President Earl H. Potter III. “Shahzad’s enthusiasm and dedication to the university’s mission and the students we serve is apparent every day.”
Ahmad has worked in the MSS office for 25 years including almost 20 as director.
“It is very gratifying that my work at St. Cloud State University has made an impact on those with whom I work, and those I serve.”
MSS director
His career has been spent improving retention and success for students of color and all students on campus.
He supervises the office staff, advocates for students in the university and community, promotes leadership development opportunities for students, assists the Admissions Office with student of color recruitment strategies, and collaborates with other departments on campus on student retention efforts and more.
Much of his time is spent working with helping students from more than 14 organizations develop their leadership skills. He’s often on campus on the weekend supporting a student event.
“My door is always open to the individual student who needs guidance or direction,” Ahmad said. “There are many things that can impact student success and retention, and I have found there are many things we can do as individuals or institutionally to help them be successful. I rarely give up if I can see a solution to assist the student.”
When he’s not working with students, he’s pursuing grants to support students or developing relationships abroad to recruit international students to St. Cloud State and provide study abroad opportunities — especially for students of color.
He has worked to develop study abroad programs in Southeast Asia and South Africa. Both programs have been highly successful in attracting student of color participation.
“St. Cloud State is a more diverse and inclusive place because of the efforts of Shahzad Ahmad,” Potter said. “I am proud of the work he has done and the leadership he continues to provide that make him a worthy nominee.”
Congratulations, Shahzad! Well deserved.
Congratulations, Shahzad, this award and honor are so well deserved! Christine