Mercer Times

Tina Tormey, director of residential education and housing at The College of New Jersey, has been awarded the prestigious Carmen L. Vance Herstory Award by the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International. This accolade honors outstanding female professionals in the housing sector who have been instrumental in supporting and fostering opportunities for other female leaders.

"I am honored to be selected for this award," stated Tormey. She expressed her appreciation for the mentorship she received from exceptional female colleagues and emphasized the award’s focus on supporting and elevating women. "It brings me great joy to be able to amplify women’s voices, help them grow their talent and capacity, while also supporting them in reaching their goals and dreams," Tormey said.

In addition to her leadership roles, Tormey was a key researcher in a significant time management study aimed at senior-level women professionals in higher education. She has also instructed transformative courses at her college, designed to nurture future female leaders. Her research findings are set to be published in an upcoming book in 2026.

"Tina is an exemplary leader who consistently demonstrates the values of leadership, mentorship, and empowerment of women within the campus housing profession and higher education as a whole," remarked Kelly Hennessy, associate vice president for student affairs. Hennessy stressed Tormey’s commitment to mentoring women and her contributions through research, teaching, and advocacy.

The award is named after Carmen L. Vance, a pivotal figure in the establishment of ACUHO-I. Vance served as the founding chair of the ACUHO-I Foundation in 1988, as the association's president in 1988, and made significant contributions through donations and leadership roles. Her contributions continue to impact ACUHO-I even in her retirement.