Maszczak Honored with National Distinguished Service Award

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) announces that Dr. Melissa A. Maszczak, senior fellow and director of the Center for Leadership and Governance at the University, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Service Award by the National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education (NAPAHE).

The award was presented during NAPAHE’s 39th Annual National Conference and Business Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. According to NAPAHE, the award was first established in 2003 to recognize individuals whose personal and professional contributions have significantly advanced the organization’s mission and strengthened the higher education community.

NAPAHE said Maszczak has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s growth and impact. A member since 2015, she served two terms on the NAPAHE Board of Directors, concluding in 2024, and held several key leadership roles, including board secretary, chair of the Professional Development Committee — where she founded the association’s peer mentoring program — and chair of the Membership Committee, helping drive membership revenue to exceed 130% of its budgeted goal. She also contributed to the Nominating Committee and the Executive Director Search Committee.

A resident of Florence, N.J., Maszczak’s career at TESU has spanned several leadership roles, including assistant to the president, executive assistant to the president and secretary to the Board of Trustees. In her current role, she leads initiatives that advance leadership development and governance practices across the University and beyond.

In accepting the award, Maszczak reflected on the often unseen but essential work of presidential assistants and board professionals.

“To be recognized by a community that has shaped my professional life — and my heart — for so many years is both humbling and profoundly meaningful,” she said. “Our work happens behind the scenes… holding institutions steady during moments of uncertainty and helping leaders succeed so our campuses can thrive.”