The Leadership Award is presented to a woman in Delaware higher education on the basis of leadership activities and significant contributions within the field. The nominee must have demonstrated “steps to success,” while serving as a role model for “rising stars” in higher education.

2026 Award Recipient 

Dr. Nicole McDaniel, Assistant Vice President for Financial Aid and Financial Literacy, Wilmington University

Past recipients of the Leadership Award

  • 2025 – Dr. Angela Herman, Director of Health Sciences, Wilmington University 
  • 2024 – Megan Romano, LPC, CAADC, NCC, Director of Counseling Services, Goldey-Beacom College
  • 2023 – Dr. Cornelia Johnson, Delaware Technical Community College
  • 2022 – Tina Barksdale, Vice President of Student Affairs & Alumni Relations, Wilmington University
  • 2021 – Dr. Denise Wells, Dean, College of Health Professionals, Wilmington University
  • 2020 – Dr. Saundra DeLauder, Provost, Delaware State University
  • 2019 – Dr. Sallie Reissman, Assistant Vice President and Dean of the College of Online and Experiential Learning, Wilmington University
  • 2018 – Dr. Bobbi Barends, Vice President and Campus Director, Delaware Technical Community College
  • 2017 – Dr. Erin J. DiMarco, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Wilmington University
  • 2016 – Dr. Kathern Friel,  Dean of Instruction, Stanton/George Campus of Delaware Technical Community College
  • 2015 – Dr. Nancy Targett, former Acting President of the University of Delaware; Dean Emerita and Distinguished Professor Emerita of Marine Biosciences
  • 2014 – Phyllis Collins,  Executive Director of the Academic Enrichment Unit, Delaware State University
  • 2013 – Ms. Eileen Donnelly, Assistant Vice President of Technology and Dean of the College of Online Experiential Learning, Wilmington University
  • 2013 – Dr. L. Germaine Scott-Cheatham, Assistant Vice President of Development, Delaware State University
  • 2012 – Dr. Frances Leach, Assistant Campus Director, Delaware Technical Community College
  • 2012 – Dr. Marilyn Prime, Director of University Student Centers, University of Delaware
  • 2011 – Dr. LaVerne T. Harmon, University Vice President, Wilmington University
  • 2010 – Carolyn Curry, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Delaware State University
  • 2010 – Dr. Kimberly Joyce, Assistant Vice President for Educational Support, Delaware Technical Community College
  • 2009 – LeaNora Ruffin, Assistant Dean, Career Development Office, Widener University School of Law
  • 2008 – Linda Ammons, Associate Provost and Dean, Widener University School of Law