Bryan College Executive Director of Student Success Receives Prestigious National Award

Bryan College Executive Director of Student Success Alex Staup has been selected as the recipient of the Ruth Bamford Award from the Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD). This prestigious national honor recognizes professionals with fewer than 15 years of experience who have made outstanding contributions to ACSD and the field of student development.

The Ruth Bamford Award acknowledges individuals who demonstrate exceptional ability to integrate faith and learning in their professional lives, contribute significantly to scholarship and practice, and show strong leadership within the Christian higher education community.

“Alex exemplifies the heart of what we strive for at Bryan College,” said Nick Pacurari, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success. “His ability to seamlessly integrate Christian faith with innovative student development practices has transformed how we support students across all learning modalities — residential, online, and dual enrollment.”

Staup currently serves as Executive Director of Student Success, overseeing Bryan College’s comprehensive Academic Resource Center & Counseling Services, which includes first-year advising, student success coaching, calling and career development, multicultural and international student programming, testing and tutoring services, and online program support. He also co-chairs the college’s Quality Enhancement Plan Steering Committee and chairs the CARE (Behavioral Intervention) Team.

Since joining Bryan College in March 2024, Staup has led initiatives to enhance the transfer student experience and develop holistic support systems that serve students in all learning formats. His work reflects Bryan College’s commitment to providing personalized attention and comprehensive support to help students succeed academically, professionally, and spiritually.

“This recognition highlights the caliber of professionals we have at Bryan College and reinforces our dedication to student success,” said Pacurari. “Alex’s approach to student development embodies our mission to provide education that integrates faith and learning in meaningful ways.”

Staup is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Educational Studies with a focus on Higher Education at Purdue University and serves as Ideas Co-Editor for ACSD’s scholarly publication. He has presented at national conferences on topics including student leadership development, male engagement, and faith integration in higher education.

The award recognizes Staup’s scholarly contributions, including recent publications such as “Dear Young Man: A Letter to the Lost Boys” and “Navigating our Pressurized Politics: Cultivating Hope and Justice,” as well as his consistent involvement in ACSD leadership roles and conference presentations.

About Bryan College

Bryan College is a regionally accredited Christian liberal arts college located in Dayton, TN. With both on-campus and online programs, more than 50 areas of study are offered for Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees, as well as professional certificates. Founded in 1930 in honor of William Jennings Bryan, the college provides education from a distinctly Christian worldview while maintaining academic excellence.

Bryan College’s comprehensive student services include academic advising, career development, multicultural programming, tutoring services, and robust support for students in residential, online, and dual enrollment programs. The college’s commitment to holistic student development ensures that each student receives personalized attention and support throughout their educational journey.

For more information about Bryan College’s programs and student services, visit www.bryan.edu