2013 Advocate of the Year Award Presented to Ken Reade

Ken Reade of Dartmouth College was presented with the 2013 Advocate of the Year Award by NAFSA President Fanta Aw on March 12 in Washington, D.C.

The Advocate of the Year Award is presented to a NAFSA member who has excelled in grassroots advocacy and has inspired others to make a difference by engaging elected officials in discussions and promoting policies that support international education and exchange. The award was presented at NAFSA’s 2013 Advocacy Day, held March 12-13.

Ken is part of the second cohort of NAFSA’s Grassroots Leadership Program. As a member of this program, he has been working with elected officials, campus administrations, and the news media to communicate the importance of creating an immigration system that works for the United States.

Ken has been involved in grassroots advocacy efforts for more than a decade. He previously served as a NAFSA state whip, is a regular participant at the association’s Advocacy Day, and works with NAFSA to increase grassroots participation in its national advocacy campaigns. Ken is regarded by his colleagues as someone who continues to work to find common ground with elected officials despite potential differences. He is widely respected among his peers, having been a regular presenter at regional conferences to offer "Washington Updates" to keep other participants updated with what’s happening in Washington D.C.

Ken's involvement in grassroots advocacy over the years has shown that there is always work to be done in advocating for the students and scholars with whom he works.