Every year, NASPA offers awards to "higher education and student affairs leaders, programs, and initiatives" in a variety of categories.

[7] In 1925, the first piece of "research" – presented by John Bennett of Teachers College, Columbia University – was offered at a NADAM meeting.

The decade was noted by the presence of Armour Blackburn of Howard University, the first African-American administrator to participate[1] and serve on an executive committee.

Mary Ethel Ball, acting dean of students at the University of Colorado, became the first female "institutional representative," although women had participated in meetings since the 20s.

Dean Wesley P. Lloyd at Brigham Young University recommended a name change in 1951 to the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).

[1] This gave a new breadth to the organization, which stated its purpose: "to discuss and study the most effective methods of aiding students in their intellectual, social, moral, and personal development".

For the first time, outside funding was secured for a NASPA activity, making the association an early leader in educating members concerning drug abuse.

Upon Briggs' retirement in 1981, Richard F. Stevens became the second executive director, and the national office was moved to Ohio State University.