Assistant Professor Lazaro Camacho Jr. of the University of Rhode Island’s Feinstein College of Education was recognized on April 7 with the 2026 Latinx/a/o Knowledge Community Outstanding Faculty Award from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. Camacho, who also coordinates URI’s College Student Personnel Program, was nominated for this award by his peers.
The award is significant as it highlights Camacho’s dedication to research, teaching, and service that supports student success and the Latinx community in higher education. NASPA is a professional organization founded in 1918 that represents over 15,000 members and more than 2,600 institutions worldwide.
Camacho is a two-time graduate of URI and a Rhode Island native. He said his approach to education centers on coordinated efforts focused on student learning and support services. His colleagues recognized him for his contributions to both NASPA and higher education more broadly.
“This is a reflection of who I am personally as well as who I am professionally,” said Camacho. He credited colleagues, students, and past educators for encouraging him throughout his career. “The recognition was a nice overall nod to who I am as a higher education professional.”
Camacho’s research focuses on identity socialization and educational pathways for undergraduate and graduate men of color as well as Latine students navigating academic recovery. He also examines discourse related to Latine masculinities and the development of graduate students in Higher Education and Student Affairs programs.
He described receiving this award as motivation to continue building upon his work: “Receiving this award has helped me recognize that I have established a strong foundation on which I can continue to build,” said Camacho. “This motivates me to take this work, build on it, expand on it and keep moving forward.”
