Outstanding Achievement Award Goes to Dr. Sarah Kone
AASAP recognizes exceptional contributions to student affairs practice and mental health advocacy across West Africa with prestigious annual award.
Awards Committee
AASAP Recognition Committee
The African Association of Student Affairs Professionals (AASAP) is proud to announce Dr. Sarah Kone, Director of Student Affairs at the University of Bamako, Mali, as the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Achievement Award for her exceptional contributions to student mental health advocacy and innovative program development across West Africa.
A Champion for Student Mental Health
Dr. Kone's groundbreaking work in developing culturally appropriate mental health interventions has transformed how universities across West Africa approach student wellbeing. Her innovative "Ubuntu Wellness" program has been adopted by over 30 universities across the region, directly impacting more than 45,000 students.
Award Recognition Highlights
Revolutionary Ubuntu Wellness Program
Dr. Kone's flagship Ubuntu Wellness program represents a paradigm shift in how mental health support is delivered in African universities. The program integrates traditional African healing practices with modern psychological interventions, creating a holistic approach that resonates deeply with students across diverse cultural backgrounds.
Community-Centered Healing Circles
Traditional talking circles adapted for university settings, providing safe spaces for students to share experiences and receive peer support.
Elder-Student Mentorship Network
Connecting students with community elders and alumni who provide cultural wisdom and life guidance alongside professional counseling.
Cultural Resilience Training
Programs that strengthen students' connection to their cultural identity as a source of mental strength and emotional stability.
Multilingual Support Services
Mental health resources delivered in local languages and adapted to regional cultural contexts across West Africa.
Professional Journey and Background
Dr. Kone's path to this recognition began with her own experiences as a first-generation university student in Mali. Her doctoral research in Educational Psychology at the University of Dakar focused on cultural competency in student support services, laying the foundation for her innovative approach to mental health advocacy.
Career Milestones
2010-2015: Doctoral Research
Groundbreaking research on cultural competency in student mental health services
2016-2019: Program Development
Created and piloted the Ubuntu Wellness program at University of Bamako
2020-2022: Regional Expansion
Scaled program across West Africa with support from international partners
2023-Present: Continental Impact
Leading continental initiatives and mentoring next generation of student affairs professionals
"Mental health support must be rooted in cultural understanding. When we honor students' cultural identities and integrate traditional wisdom with modern practice, we create healing spaces that truly serve our communities."
Impact Beyond Borders
Dr. Kone's influence extends far beyond her home institution. Her research has been published in leading international journals, and her training workshops have reached student affairs professionals across Africa and internationally. She has served as a consultant for UNESCO, the World Health Organization, and numerous African governments.
Research Publications
25+ peer-reviewed articles on cultural competency in student affairs
International Speaking
Keynote presentations at 40+ international conferences
Professional Mentoring
Mentored 150+ student affairs professionals across Africa
Awards Committee Recognition
The AASAP Awards Committee, comprised of distinguished professionals from across Africa, unanimously selected Dr. Kone for her transformative contributions to the field. The committee particularly noted her ability to bridge traditional African wisdom with contemporary student affairs practice.
Selection Criteria Excellence
Innovation in Practice
Groundbreaking approaches that advance the field of student affairs
Continental Impact
Influence and contributions that extend beyond individual institutions
Cultural Competency
Deep understanding and integration of African cultural contexts
Professional Leadership
Mentorship and development of next generation professionals
Looking Forward: Future Initiatives
As the 2024 Outstanding Achievement Award recipient, Dr. Kone will serve as a special advisor to AASAP's Mental Health Initiative and will lead the development of a new continental training program for culturally competent student affairs professionals.
Upcoming Projects
Continental Training Program
Development of comprehensive cultural competency curriculum for student affairs professionals
Research Collaboration
Leading multi-country study on traditional healing practices in university settings
Policy Development
Working with African governments to integrate cultural competency into higher education policy
International Partnerships
Establishing collaborations with global universities to share African approaches to student wellbeing
Award Ceremony and Celebration
Dr. Kone will be formally recognized at the 2024 AASAP Annual Conference in Cape Town, where she will deliver the keynote address titled "Ubuntu in Action: Transforming Student Mental Health Through Cultural Wisdom." The ceremony will celebrate not only her achievements but also the broader movement toward culturally responsive student affairs practice across Africa.
Join the Celebration
Be part of this historic recognition of excellence in African student affairs. Join us in Cape Town to celebrate Dr. Kone's achievements and learn from her innovative approaches.
Dr. Kone's recognition represents the highest ideals of student affairs practice in Africa: innovation grounded in cultural wisdom, impact that transcends borders, and a deep commitment to the holistic wellbeing of all students. Her work continues to inspire a new generation of student affairs professionals across the continent.