University of Houston Division of Student Affairs Staff Member Receives Judy Spain Award

DSA News
March 13, 2024

Kenny Mauk, director of housing operations and outreach in the Department of Student Housing & Residential Life (SHRL) in the Division of Student Affairs, has been honored with the 2024 Judy Spain Award by the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I).

The Judy Spain Award recognizes an individual who has contributed to the LGBTQ+ community through activities and interventions that promote growth, development and education. Mauk's exceptional contributions to the field of higher education and his dedication to student housing have earned him this esteemed recognition.

In addition to receiving the Judy Spain Award, Kenny Mauk has been inducted into the ACUHO-I Wall of Honor Class of 2024, further solidifying his legacy as a leader and an innovator. Don Yackley, assistant vice president for student housing and residential life said, “Kenny shows up every day as a strategic leader with integrity, who is mission driven, innovative and always as an advocate for students. Like Judy Spain, Kenny has driven and supported initiatives that improve the student experience and has been a mentor to students and staff.”

The Wall of Honor Class of 2024 described Mauk’s achievements and contributions to the ACUHO-I. Throughout his 30-year career, Mauk has been an advocate for marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ community, embodying the spirit of the award through his unwavering dedication to inclusivity and advocacy

Guided by the wisdom imparted by a mentor early in his career, Mauk has actively sought opportunities to understand and empathize with diverse perspectives, believing this enriches both his personal and professional life. His commitment to fostering an environment of respect and inclusivity has been demonstrated through various initiatives, including his involvement in speaker bureaus representing LGBTQ+ staff, his presentations at numerous universities, regional, and national conferences, and his service on the board of directors for the LGBTQ+ Resource Center at the University of Houston (UH).

His journey with ACUHO-I began with a connection made at an LGBTQ+ conference social—an encounter that ignited his passion for involvement within the organization. Since then, Mauk has held several key roles within ACUHO-I, including chair of the marketing committee and leadership positions in organizing the first three ACUHO-I Business Operations Conferences. His commitment to excellence and innovation has also been evident through his participation as a faculty member for the James C. Grimm National Housing Training Institute and his contributions to the ACUHO-I Regional Affiliations Task Force.

As Director of Housing Operations and Outreach, Mauk has played a pivotal role in shaping the residential experience for students at UH, fostering a supportive living environment that promotes student success and well-being.

Please join us in congratulating Kenny Mauk on this honor, along with his induction into the ACUHO-I Wall of Honor Class of 2024.

Written by – Germaine Washington – Director of Marketing and Communications – Division of Student Affairs