First awarded in January 2005, the Sadler Award recognizes the exceptional contributions and future potential of a professional staff member who has been in the student affairs field for no more than 5 years. It is presented in January of each year in which a worthy candidate is identified. The award honors the legacy of former Vice President for Student Affairs Sam Sadler (B.A. ’64, M.Ed. ’71). Sam worked at Wiliam & Mary for 41 years, 38 of which were spent in student affairs. As he rose from his first position as Acting Dean of Men to the senior-most student affairs position on campus, Sam served as an inspiration and mentor to countless young professionals, many of whom went on to make their own significant marks on the field. This award, established while Sam was still Vice President at the university, is but one example of how he encouraged members of the staff—new and seasoned alike—and cheered them on to new heights of creativity and excellence.
