Emily Taylor, a graduating student in the M.S. in Nonprofit Management (NOPM) program at Columbia School of Professional Studies (SPS) and current president of the SPS Student Government (SPSSG), has been selected as a recipient of Columbia University’s 2025 Campbell Award.
“Being named the SPS recipient of the Campbell Award is a deeply meaningful honor,” Taylor said. “It validates the dedication I've poured into student leadership, advocacy, and the efforts to create a supportive community for my peers. I couldn't have achieved what I have this year without the incredible support of my fellow student leaders, staff, and faculty, all of whom work tirelessly to create a positive environment for SPS students.”
Established by the Columbia University Trustees and the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) in 2016, the Campbell Award is presented annually to a graduating student at each school who exemplifies leadership and the Columbia spirit. The award is named in honor of the late Bill Campbell, a distinguished alumnus of Columbia and cofounder of CAA.
Taylor’s journey to the NOPM program began shortly after she received her B.A. in psychology from Utah Valley University, when she was working as a paralegal focused on the nonprofit sector and collaborating with various public charities. There she witnessed firsthand “the significant impact that mission-driven management has on the nonprofit sector,” an experience that ultimately led her to pursue further education at SPS.
In the 2024 fall semester, Taylor began serving the SPS community as president of SPSSG. In her role, she drafted and implemented significant additions and updates to the SPSSG governing documents, including splitting the role of vice president into two discrete roles dealing with internal or external affairs, and adding the position of international student affairs officer. She also built networks between student governments at other schools within the University and co-chaired a committee dedicated to addressing issues relating to the student experience at Columbia Libraries.
After graduation, Taylor will continue her education as a Law School Admission Council Plus Program scholar for 2025–2026 before entering law school. “I plan to leverage the combination of my M.S. in Nonprofit Management with my future JD to empower the nonprofit sector and effect positive change,” she said. “Leading the SPS Student Government has been a unique honor and a privilege I will cherish for the rest of my career.”
About the Program
Columbia University’s M.S. in Nonprofit Management program prepares graduates for leadership roles within mission-driven organizations in a wide variety of contexts, including global and community nonprofits, foundations, education, health care, and the arts, or as fundraising and development experts.
The fall 2025 application deadline for the M.S. in Nonprofit Management program is June 1. The program is offered full-time, part-time, online, and on campus. Learn more about the program here.
