Hall of Fame | College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

We’re proud of our NAU College of Social and Behavioral Sciences alumni

The Hall of Fame recognizes SBS alumni who have made significant contributions to the university, community, or their career. These renowned innovators have left an indelible mark, not only on NAU but on the world, and they all began their journeys as Lumberjacks. This annual award is presented to all inductees Homecoming weekend.

Nominate a deserving alumni for Hall of Fame SBS Hall of Fame nomination form

Award description
Northern Arizona University’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) Hall of Fame award recognizes SBS alumni who have made significant contributions in their career, to the university, or to their community. These change-makers are aligned with NAU’s mission, vision and core values; and are making positive impacts to society. The Hall of Fame award is presented to inductees each year during Homecoming.

Award qualifications

A graduate of NAU’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Outstanding success in his/her/their professional career and/or service to the university or community.
Nominee aligns with NAU’s mission, vision, and core values; and is proud to be a Lumberjack.

Please note: The nominator is unable to nominate themselves.

Nominations are open year-round but to make the nomination deadline for 2027 please submit your nomination by March 27, 2027.

Hall of Fame nomination form

2026 Honored Alumni & Hall of Fame

A Homecoming tradition, the Honored Alumni and Hall of Fame Ceremony celebrates alumni who have demonstrated excellence in their careers and extraordinary dedication to the university through leadership, vision, creativity, generosity, and increasing NAU’s reputation and impact in the larger community.

The 2026 Honored Alumni and Hall of Fame ceremony takes place during Homecoming Weekend on Friday, October 16, 2026. Read more about the award winners below, and nominate a deserving Lumberjack for next year’s awards.

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2026 President’s Alumni Award

Keven Willey, 1980 BS Journalism

Keven Willey is an award-winning journalist whose 38-year career has been defined by public service, civic engagement, and the power of editorial journalism to strengthen communities. An NAU journalism graduate, she spent 22 years at The Arizona Republic, rising from reporter and political columnist to editorial page editor, before serving 16 years as vice president and editorial page editor of The Dallas Morning News. Under her leadership, the newspaper’s editorial department won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing for its advocacy for greater investment in southern Dallas. Willey later served nine years on the Pulitzer Prize Board, including as co-chair during its centennial year. At NAU, she wrote for the student newspaper and competed as a varsity volleyball player, experiences she credits with building resilience, leadership skills, and lifelong friendships that have endured throughout her career.

2026 Hall of Fame

Christopher Joseph Bavasi

1975 BS Criminal Justice, 2000 Honorary NAU Degree

Christopher Joseph Bavasi has dedicated more than four decades to public service through law enforcement, local government, and federal leadership. An NAU graduate in criminology and criminal justice, he began his career with the Flagstaff Police Department before serving as director of the Northern Arizona Police Academy, executive director of the Northern Arizona Council of Governments, and a member of the federal Senior Executive Service. Bavasi also served 12 years as Flagstaff mayor—the longest tenure in the city’s history—and has chaired or served on dozens of civic, healthcare, education, and nonprofit boards throughout northern Arizona. His longstanding commitment to NAU includes serving as chair of the NAU Foundation Board, advising multiple colleges and university leaders, participating in presidential and athletic director searches, guest lecturing, and supporting students through philanthropy and volunteer service.