At the 2025 Association for Student Conduct Administration Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon, Michigan State University’s Rick Shafer received two of the organization’s highest honors: the Donald D. Gehring Award and the Raymond H. Goldstone Legacy of Excellence Award. These awards recognize not only his professional achievements but also his role as a mentor, advocate and compassionate leader throughout his decades-long career. 

 In his role as the Associate Director for the Office of Student Support and Accountability, Shafer has helped shape a campus culture grounded in fairness, growth and inclusion. He has dedicated his career to supporting students in meaningful ways while also cultivating a workplace where colleagues feel empowered to lead and develop. 

What ASCA and These Awards Represent 

ASCA is the leading professional association for student conduct administrators, providing education, support and a national platform to strengthen campus communities through fairness, accountability and growth. Here is what each award represents: 

• The Donald D. Gehring Award honors individuals who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to student conduct.
• The Goldstone Legacy of Excellence Award recognizes those whose enduring influence has shaped the profession, especially through leadership, scholarship, and service. 

“We don’t often see associate directors getting national recognition like this,” said OSSA Assistant Director of Student Organization Conduct Tamera Dunn-Perry. “But Rick doesn’t settle for good enough. These awards prove that real leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about impact.” 

Earning a Legacy Through Work and Vision 

Shafer has shaped MSU’s approach to accountability with care for more than 25 years. His work consistently balanced responsibility with empathy, and he has remained a steady presence in moments of uncertainty. 

Through his long-standing commitment to restorative justice, Shafer established MSU as a national model for resolving conflict through community-centered practices. Restorative justice views misconduct as a violation of relationships and community, rather than just a breach of rules. It emphasizes repairing harm by involving all affected parties in a collaborative process that promotes accountability, understanding, and healing. 

“At his core, Rick is a champion and an advocate for restorative practices. He is a storyteller and loves to use restorative justice as a way for participants to share their stories and come together to make positive and collaborative changes,” said OSSA Director Mackenzie Fritz. 

Shafer has led campus-wide trainings, facilitated annual restorative justice symposiums, and traveled to other institutions to help them implement restorative frameworks. He played a critical role in embedding these values into MSU’s conduct process, ensuring that students are held accountable while also feeling supported. 

“In large contribution to Rick, our office has become a place where all team members are supported, and all voices are heard. Rick is invested in the team, and cares deeply about each and every person,” said Fritz. 

As a colleague of Shafer’s since 2012, Fritz noted how his commitment to restorative values is visible in every aspect of his work. His approach to meetings — complete with check-ins, shoutouts, and shared talking orders — mirrors his values of equity and inclusion. He’s also the first to step up for a last-minute hearing or a colleague in need. 

Shafer’s restorative justice training, facilitated multiple times a year, has become a hallmark of his educational outreach. These sessions are known across campus and beyond for their emotional depth and thought-provoking discussions. Participants often walk away with a transformed understanding of how to approach student conduct and conflict resolution. 

“Colleagues have reported that it is training that changes their philosophy on how they do their work,” said Fritz. She added that Rick’s educational style is deeply personal, often weaving in stories — even humorous ones, like his sons joking that “not everything is a teachable moment” — to drive home his points. 

His impact extends beyond programming. From student facilitators to staff members, Shafer has mentored people at every stage of their journey. His example has shown that progress happens when individuals are supported, challenged and empowered. His approach fosters growth, not just in students, but in colleagues and the culture of the institution itself. 

“Rick has always done this work with people, not to or for them,” said Dunn-Perry. 

Beyond the Work 

Shafer is more than his title and awards. He is known for leading with authenticity, vulnerability and an open heart. His presence is calm, his communication intentional and his care genuine. In difficult conversations, he listens first. In team settings, he builds trust. 

“When you put Rick in a circle and a box of Kleenex, amazing things happen,” said OSSA Assistant Director of Academic Integrity Jake Kasper. “He makes people feel safe and understood, which is rare in this kind of work. That’s what makes Rick so effective — not just the policies or the process, but the way he shows up for people” 

Colleagues describe him as grounded and emotionally intelligent — someone who ensures every person feels seen and valued. Even as he prepares for retirement, he continues to invest deeply in the success of others.  

“Rick sets a standard for what it means to show up fully — for students, for colleagues, and for the work,” said Kasper. “He doesn’t just talk about values like empathy and fairness — he lives them every day.” 

Colleagues describe him as grounded and emotionally intelligent — someone who ensures every person feels seen and valued. Even as he prepares for retirement, he continues to invest deeply in the success of others.  

“He’s not trying to just make it to retirement,” said Dunn-Perry. “He’s making sure his retirement doesn’t end the good work that’s happened while he’s been here.” 

Two of his current team members are in their first year at MSU, and Shafer has been intentional in setting them up for long-term growth. He has created systems and practices that will allow the work to thrive well after he steps away. 

“The OSSA team is so proud to work with and learn from Rick. We are incredibly excited that he is the recipient of these awards. He truly deserves them,” said Fritz. 

That pride was on full display in Portland. 

“It was truly an honor to be able to join Rick in Portland when he received his awards,” Fritz added. “His colleagues from across the country gave him a standing ovation. We were so excited that he won these two prestigious awards.” 

A Lasting Influence 

Rick Shafer’s contributions have shaped MSU and the field of student conduct in profound ways. Through policy, practice, and people, he has built a foundation that will continue to uplift and inspire long after he retires. His legacy is not only in the awards he has received, but in the lives he has impacted. 

Carrying the Legacy Forward 

Shafer’s story is a call to action. His career illustrates the power of mentorship, the value of restorative practices, and the impact of intentional leadership. For those who feel inspired, the invitation is clear: carry the legacy forward. 

Whether by participating in restorative justice trainings, mentoring a colleague, or simply choosing to lead with empathy and purpose, everyone has the power to make a difference. To learn more about RJ initiatives at MSU or to get involved, visit the Office of Student Support and Accountability website. 

Author: Dani Del Castillo, student communications assistant