UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -—Levon T. Esters, vice provost for graduate education and dean of the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School at Penn State, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Debra W. Stewart Award for Outstanding Leadership in Graduate Education. by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS). CGS officially presented Esters with the award during the 65th Council of Graduate Schools Annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheon, which took place Dec. 4 in Washington, D.C.
The annual award recognizes a graduate education administrator who exemplifies strong leadership qualities; a history of active participation in graduate affairs; and meaningful impacts in areas such as evidence-based innovation, program development, diversity and inclusion, and student learning and career outcomes.
Nominators lauded Esters for leading the Fox Graduate School with an inclusive and strategic framework, advancing graduate student success, interacting with students frequently, cultivating an engaged graduate community, fostering Penn State’s $20 million Fox Graduate School endowment, and supporting both existing and new graduate programs at the University.
One nominator wrote, “In my almost 40 years as a graduate faculty member and administrator, [Esters] is the most compelling leader and inspirational advocate for graduate education I’ve encountered.”
Chevelle Newsome, president of CGS, also applauded Esters’ leadership and believes he exemplifies the true spirit of the award.
“Esters has made a definitive impression as a leader in the graduate education community. Every initiative he has been involved in, from the casual coffee chats with students to his advocacy work on Capitol Hill, is centered on students and elevating graduate education,” Newsome said. “It’s leaders like him that will reimagine graduate education and leave a lasting impact.”
Esters feels both humbled and honored to have received what he considers the most prestigious award in graduate education.
“Receiving the Debra W. Stewart Award is both humbling and deeply meaningful,” Esters said. “It recognizes not only my work but also the dedication of those who share a belief in the transformative power of graduate education. In today’s rapidly changing higher education landscape, strong leadership grounded in integrity, collaboration, empathy and purpose is more important than ever to support the success and well-being of our students.”
The award’s namesake — Debra W. Stewart — served as the council’s fifth president and held a prolific career in higher education, most recently acting as the vice president and chancellor for North Carolina State University.