UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Goldstone ASCA Foundation has selected Danny Shaha, assistant vice president and dean of students at Penn State, as the recipient of its prestigious Legacy of Excellence Award — a national honor recognizing sustained leadership, innovation and influence in the field of student affairs and conduct.
The Legacy of Excellence Award is one of the highest honors granted by the Goldstone ASCA Foundation. It recognizes professionals whose contributions have strengthened the field, elevated institutional practice and supported the development of colleagues across higher education. Shaha’s national involvement includes conducting external reviews for institutions such as Purdue University and the University of Wisconsin, serving as faculty for multiple ASCA Gehring Academies, and co-chairing the ASCA Model Procedures Task Force, which has developed a comprehensive guide for student-conduct processes used nationwide.
Shaha has also contributed to national conversations related to campus climate, student rights and educational outcomes, offering guidance to institutions navigating complex student-conduct and policy issues.
At Penn State, Shaha’s leadership has helped expand restorative and transformative practices, particularly in response to student conflicts and bias-related incidents. He co-chairs the University’s Behavioral Threat Management Team and the Expressive Speech Committee and co-leads Student Affairs’ efforts in emergency management and crisis response. Previously, as senior director of the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response, he guided thousands of annual cases, launched mediation and conflict-coaching programs, and led a complete revision of University conduct procedures to align with informed, student-centered practices.
“Danny has led with clarity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to students,” said Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs. “His leadership in moments of crisis, his thoughtful approach to student conduct, and his dedication to student care have strengthened our community and fostered trust.”
Shaha provides oversight in the areas of Student Accountability and Conflict Response, Student Care and Advocacy, Student Legal Services, Sexual Misconduct Reporting and Response, and World Campus Student Affairs. He also helps manage student crises and supports students and families in times of need. His leadership extends to supporting Penn State’s 24 campuses across the commonwealth and online with an emphasis on student care and supporting student success.
Shaha will be formally recognized at the foundation’s annual meeting, to celebrate his achievement and the positive impact of his leadership on students, staff and institutions nationwide.