Dr. Jeff Cullen, director of Student Conduct and Community Standards, was recognized with the College of Engineering and Information Technology’s (COEIT) Outstanding Campus Partner Award at a May 11 State of the College presentation. This award was created to “...recognize and express thanks to UMBC faculty and staff from outside our college who go above and beyond in supporting the success of the students, staff, and faculty from our college.” Dr. Cullen was nominated for serving as the staff facilitator for the practicum course Allies in CWIT (Center for Women and Information Technology).
His nomination read, “Jeff Cullen’s leadership of the Allies in CWIT practicum is nothing short of transformative. He creates a rare space where students are challenged to be honest, vulnerable, and accountable—grappling deeply with identity, equity, and their role in shaping a more just field. His impact is lasting, empowering students to grow into courageous allies and leaders. Through this work, Jeff brings COEIT’s vision of inclusive excellence to life in powerful, tangible ways.”
In April, Dr. Cullen received CWIT’s Community Partner Award at its annual Community Awards event. The award is given to an individual or department who has actively collaborated with CWIT towards its mission and goals and serving its students. Dr. Cullen was also recognized for his work with the Allies in CWIT practicum. Gina King, director, undergraduate admissions and orientation, also received the Community Partner award.
At the CWIT awards event, staff shared, “For the past several years, Jeff has been the driving force behind the Allies in CWIT practicum, a program that is vital to our mission of building an inclusive workforce. His approach to allyship is both profound and personal; he challenges our male-identifying students to rethink traditional roles and take active responsibility for equity in tech ... .While Jeff has been a pillar of this program for years, this is sadly his final year leading the practicum. There is no better time than now to recognize the safe space he has built and the unwavering advocacy he has provided for inclusive excellence across our campus. Jeff, thank you for your years of service—your impact will be felt here for a long time to come.”
In a nomination for the award, a CWIT staff member stated: “I am proud to nominate Jeff Cullen for the Outstanding Campus Partner Award for his transformative leadership of the Allies in CWIT practicum over the past four years. This program is vital to CWIT’s mission, providing male-identifying students with the tools to become active change agents for diversity and inclusion in technology. Jeff's commitment goes beyond standard facilitation; he models a profound, intersectional approach to allyship that challenges students to both dismantle white supremacy and rethink traditional gender roles. At our recent winter retreat, a former participant shared that JC was the ‘perfect facilitator’ because of his unique ability to be serious, honest, and vulnerable. By sharing his own journey, he creates a safe space for students to confront male privilege and embrace their responsibility in building a more equitable workforce. Jeff is an unwavering advocate whose dedication ensures CWIT’s vision of inclusive excellence truly rings true across our campus.”
Last year’s CWIT Community Partner Award recipient was also from Student Affairs: Valentine Anamelechi, Event and Conference Services coordinator.
The Division of Student Affairs congratulates Dr. Cullen on these two awards and is grateful for his commitment to our campus partners!