SSW Award Recipients

These awards are the highest honor bestowed upon the school's alumni, faculty, and students each year by the School of Social Work and its Alumni Organization.

2008 Award Recipients

Outstanding BSW Student: Alisha Waller
While Alisha Waller was a student at MU, she not only performed well academically, but she often went above and beyond to actively participate in class discussions and role-playing. She is described as creative, intuitive and assertive - all valuable traits for a professional social worker. It is her well-rounded balance of characteristics that led to her nomination for Outstanding BSW Student. Alisha received her BSW in December 2007 and she is now translating her classroom skills into real world practice. She is currently working for Second Nature wilderness therapy camp in Utah where she lives in the field with youth campers who struggle with issues like drug abuse, eating disorders, and abuse recovery. While living with campers for eight days at a time, Alisha serves as a role model and a facilitator of change in a highly therapeutic environment. After her upcoming wedding, Alisha plans to enter the Peace Corps with her husband and eventually attend graduate school to become a therapist.

Outstanding MSW Student: Karen A. Enyard
Karen Enyard has worked in healthcare as a nurse and a social worker for 20 years with specialized experience in geriatrics and dementia. She is now working toward her master's degree and plans to graduate in 2009. It is evident from her nomination that Karen is making an impact on her fellow students who portray her as dedicated, experienced and intelligent. Her life experiences and values serve as assets toward class discussions and projects. Karen has worked with diverse populations in her career, but her focus and her heart lies with the elderly. She serves them with a great deal of joy and commitment. She initially earned a BSW and then delayed pursuing her MSW until her own two children were a little older. Now she is fulfilling her dream to attend graduate school so she can meet the psychosocial needs of her clients on a deeper level. From here, Karen would like to pursue opportunities at the state or federal level to advocate for changes in laws that could enhance the lives of the elderly population.

Outstanding PHD Student: Michele L. Day
Michele Day brought extensive clinical, academic, and administrative experience to the PhD program. Her contributions to the School of Social Work have made a significant impact on students, while her research and publications have made a significant impact on the profession. Her commitment to the provision of quality social work services began in practice settings where she devoted nearly two decades to working with clients in agency settings. Michele also values social work education, as demonstrated by her previous work as an instructor and supervisor of clinical experience for the Title IV-E program at Missouri State University School of Social Work. In addition to her formal educational experiences, Michele has also helped other students accomplish their educational goals, serving as a mentor to numerous PhD students since her return to academia here at MU. Perhaps most noteworthy are Michele's accomplishments as a researcher and author. Michele has received numerous honors recognizing her important research, including the John A. Hartford Pre-Dissertation Award, National Library of Medicine Short-Term Fellowship, American Cancer Society Doctoral Training Grant, and the John A. Hartford Doctoral Fellowship in Geriatric Social Work. She is now serving as project coordinator for Patient and Family Participation in Hospice Interdisciplinary Teams, a National Cancer Institute research grant. Michele's dissertation title is Team Communication and Collaboration in Hospice Pain Management and she anticipates completing the PhD program in August.

Outstanding Faculty: Martha Markward
Dr. Markward earned a BA at the University of Northern Iowa and her MSW and PhD at the University of Illinois. She brings professional experience from school social work, program design and evaluation, and academia. Her work also includes an impressive list of professional presentations at both the national and international level, as well as publications on topics ranging from school social work to human rights of children. Dr. Markward has now been on the MU School of Social Work faculty since 2000. She has taught in the MSW program and currently serves as the Director of Doctoral Studies. She not only helped with the development of the PhD program itself, but she has also provided significant mentorship and guidance to help her students succeed. It is notable that Dr. Markward was the faculty mentor and dissertation chair for the first two PhD graduates of the school. Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Markward is a teacher who goes the extra mile for her students which is reflected by her consistently high ratings on her student evaluations. She challenges her students to think critically and to examine the evidence when evaluating programs and clinical practice. She sincerely cares about her students as individuals and invests a lot of time working with them in order to teach them the skills to succeed. Dr. Markward clearly has a commitment to creating an excellent educational experience and excellent social work students. Such dedication can only continue to benefit the social work community and the profession.

Outstanding Social Service Agency: Boys & Girls Town of Missouri
For more than 55 years, Boys & Girls Town of Missouri has been a leader in providing specialized treatment programs and services for troubled girls and boys from birth to age 21. From four campuses in St. James, St. Louis, Springfield and Columbia their services reach out to children and families in 87 counties in Missouri plus the City of St. Louis. Boys & Girls Town is one of the largest children's agencies in the state. Their mission is to improve the lives of children with emotional and behavioral problems superior, family-focused services. The treatment programs employ a strength-based approach, helping each child discover his or her talents and strengths and building on those to empower the child for success. When negative societal trends involving children and families are apparent they strive to create new, innovative programs that focus on correcting the issue and putting lives back on track. A few examples include: Changing Prisms - A Voyage of Self-Discovery, a two-day intensive program to focus on the recovery issues of young women in out-of-home placements; Empowering Youth provides shelter and services for homeless youth ages 10-18; Meramec Wilderness Learning Ranch is designed to offer adventure and wilderness experiences that develop character, integrity, and stronger relationships. Beyond the children they serve directly, Boys & Girls Town continues to advocate for public policy that benefits all children in residential services. They continue to keep the crisis of under-funded residential programs in front of the governor and legislators; it paid off with a significant increase in state funding for residential care facilities in both 2006 and 2007. Through residential care, foster care case management, community outreach and specialized education services Boys & Girls Town of Missouri makes a difference for more than 5,200 children and family members each year.

Outstanding Alumni: Dasi Schlup
Dasi Schlup received her MSW in 1979. Since then she has been a social worker at University Hospital where she has advanced the issue of pediatric palliative care to new levels in the facility and the community. Her specialty in pediatric services includes pediatric cardio thoracic surgery, victims of trauma, birth defects and genetic disorders, and child abuse and neglect. For the past 15 years her work as been dedicated to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and high risk obstetrics. Dasi was responsible for the introduction and implement of both the Sibling program and the Family Grief program in the NICU, including the introduction of memory packets and foot molds of infants that are now a standard of practice. Dasi's commitment to children and families extends beyond the hospital walls. She is a co-founder of the Ronald McDonald House, an agency that provides services to countless patients and families for all Columbia healthcare facilities. She is also a hospital representative of the International Breast Feeding project that sends breast milk to orphans in Africa living with HIV/AIDS. Fortunately, Dasi also extends her knowledge and passion to others by supervising students, mentoring colleagues and sharing her medical social work expertise through local and national seminars. She is an active member of the National Association of Perinatal Social Workers and serves on the outreach committee for the March of Dimes. Whether she is tending to families in Columbia or nourishing children in Africa, Dasi has dedicated her career to insuring the wellness, safety and comfort of those in need. As a result, she not only sets an example for social work students and professionals, but she represents the best of social work to her community.

2007 Award Recipients

Outstanding BSW Student: Gayle Ervin
Gayle Ervin is the outstanding BSW student of the year because of her academic excellence and community involvement. She has participated in volunteer activities ranging from being a crisis volunteer for the Mid-Missouri Crisis Line to being a mentor with Women of Worth. She also served as the Vice President of Council of Student Social Workers for the School of Social Work. Gayle completed a field placement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Columbia and made a lasting impression on both the children and the staff. During her internship, Gayle was organized, hard working and willing to take on any task given to her. She planned a highly successful Halloween party for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and even recruited her fellow CSSW members to help with the event. Gayle plans to continue her education and pursue a MSW in the fall.

Outstanding MSW Student: Kristin Baker
Kristin Baker received her undergraduate degree in Women's Studies from Knox College in 1998, where she graduated summa cum laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She returned to formal higher education in the fall of 2005 when she entered the MSW program at the University of Missouri - Columbia. In her first field placement, she was a Domestic Violence Enforcement unit intern through The Shelter, where she worked with victims, assisted with the MEND batterer intervention group, and adapted a "genderless" DV101 educational document for use with victims of same sex domestic violence. She is now in her block placement at Family Counseling Center. She is continuing her work with the MEND batterer intervention group by functioning as a group co-facilitator, developing policy, and doing short and long term planning for this expanding program. She is also developing her clinical skills through work with a wide array of individual counseling clients. Kristin has maintained an outstanding academic record and was recently inducted into the Chi Delta chapter of the Phi Alpha honor society.

Outstanding PhD Student: Andrew Muriuki
Andrew Muriuki has been an excellent student and leader in the School of Social Work PhD community. He was the first international PhD student and has assisted the others who have followed. During his first year at MU, he volunteered at the International Center to help organize the international student orientation for new students. The following year he participated on the university's International Education Week Committee to help educate the local community about the cultures and traditions of students at MU. Andrew worked with the International Center to create an online international student survey to capture some of the problems and unmet needs of these students while at MU. In response to the concerns of isolation and lack of communication, he collaborated with the International Center and Thitinun Boonseng to create the Online International Community (MU-OIC) bulletin board to encourage reaching out among the international student community. In addition, Andrew assisted Dr. Debra Oliver in creating a virtual community website to facilitate and maintain connections with PhD students living outside Columbia. Andrew's current research interests include work on adolescent health and its interaction with household environment and the impact of HIV/AIDS on households in Africa. After working on a research project investigating disproportionate minority contact in the juvenile justice system, his interest has increased to include at-risk minority youth population in the US household and communities influences.

Outstanding Faculty: Elizabeth Wilson
Elizabeth Wilson has served as an instructor in both the BSW and MSW programs and assisted with the field supervision of students for the School of Social Work. As a professor, Elizabeth has shared her passion for victim's advocacy and was responsible for bringing the Missouri Victim's Assistance Academy to the University of Missouri in 2004. Students were able to attend this academy alongside working professionals and receive graduate level credit. She also demonstrated this passion by collaborating with students on a toy drive for victims of Hurricane Andrew in Florida. Elizabeth's commitment to and support of her students extends beyond the classroom and does not end when they graduate. She exemplifies the belief that social workers share by giving back to their communities. Elizabeth is one of Mizzou's own. She earned her BS, MSW, and is currently working on her PhD at the MU School of Social Work. Elizabeth's commitment to the school, college and university has also been honored by the Division of Student Affairs Excellence in Education Award and the College of Human Environmental Science's Outstanding Faculty Service Award.

Outstanding Social Service Agency: Ellis Fischel Cancer Center Patient and Family Services
Ellis Fischel Cancer Center has a long history of the involvement of highly-skilled oncology social workers to enhance the care of cancer patients and their families, and more importantly, to serve as the system navigator and partner to the patient and family in their greatest time of need. Ellis Fischel currently employs two outstanding social workers that function within the Patient and Family Services Department. Due to their dedication and high skill level, they are able to meet the myriad of needs on a daily basis of cancer patients and their families. Over the past year, this department began to include more comprehensive services such as the addition of lymphedema rehabilitation, the development and implementation of the only lung cancer support group in Missouri, the implementation of individual counseling services for patients and their families, the continuation of supportive programs such as ongoing support groups and community educational forums, and the advancement of community partnerships and relationships for education and prevention. Between 150 and 200 patients per day go to Ellis Fischel, and the Patient and Family Services Department is responsible for each and every patient and their social needs at any given time throughout the entire cancer journey. In addition to their client services, the Patient and Family Services Department has a strong commitment to the social work profession as well as the education of social workers. Laura Neal, the coordinator of Patient and Family Services, consistently mentors one or two students each semester and actively involves students in the care of patients. The department creates a challenging experience for the students, nurturing them and preparing them well for the realities of the present day health care environment.

Outstanding Alumni: Paula Richards
Paula Richards received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Missouri - Columbia and then went on to earn her Master of Social Work in 1982. Since then, Paula has had a distinguished career of social work service in healthcare and hospice settings. She is a member of the National Hospice Organization Council of Hospice Professionals and has served on the Social Work Steering Committee and the Social Work Competency Evaluation Committee for this organization. She served on the Missouri Hospice and Palliative Care Association Board of Directors, Education Committee, and Subcommittee on Social Work Education. She is also a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Association of Oncology Social Workers. Paula has provided training for hospice professionals, volunteers, nursing home staff and the public; participated as a team member on many agency and community-wide interdisciplinary teams; and developed and coordinated fundraising projects for hospice programs. She has not only focused on her own career development through service to many professional organizations, but she has also supported her fellow social workers by supervising social work students in placement and other social workers for licensure. Paula's support of the social work profession is also evident in her commitment to the MU School of Social Work. She has been a member of the Alumni Organization since 1990. She took a very active role in the association by serving on the School of Social Work Alumni Organization Board of Directors for the last 10 years and served as President of this board from 2002 to 2004.

2006 Award Recipients

Carmen Washington is a senior in the BSW program at the School of Social Work. She has been an outstanding example to her peers from the moment she was accepted into the program. Carmen is a member of the Chi Delta Chapter of Phi Alpha and served as an officer for the Council of Student Social Workers chapter. She currently serves as the BSW student representative to the School of Social Work Alumni Organization Board of Directors. Carmen is distinguished by her ambition and focus. Her dedication to her own development and professional research is commendable. As a McNair Scholar, Carmen has conducted research on pregnancy intention and social well-being. She has had the extraordinary opportunity to present this research in highly respected academic arenas such as the Baccalaureate Program Directors Conference and the Society for Social Work and Research Conference. As Carmen continues her education into graduate school and beyond, her commitment to improving the quality of life for women through research will have a far-reaching impact on the profession.

Mark Miller is a second-year MSW student at the School of Social Work where he is completing a placement with the Missouri Department of Mental Health Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Mark came to the University of Missouri - Columbia after undergraduate work in psychology and animal ecology at Iowa State University. During his MSW program, Mark has served a graduate research assistant to various faculty members. In this capacity, he was also able to assist the School of Social Work Alumni Organization with a tremendous amount of work for Homecoming activities. Mark was also instrumental in establishing the new Association of Christian Social Work Students, an organization dedicated to supporting Christian students as they incorporate their faith and social work practice. Mark demonstrated great leadership in establishing a new student organization that will continue to enhance the educational experience for future social work students. In recognition of his contributions to the school, Mark was recently selected as the Marshal for the Social Work Commencement ceremony. His passion for his school, his profession and his faith is evident by the impact he has made on the School of Social Work faculty and students.

Dr. Michael Kelly is a Professor in the School of Social Work who serves as a mentor and advisor for the masters and doctoral students. He provides hands-on training for the doctoral students in applied research and grants to begin their own research agenda upon graduation. He introduces them to research statistical methodology and organizational theory to build foundations for their own careers in higher education. Dr. Kelly unselfishly gives of his time to assist the doctoral students entering the job market by encouraging publication prior to graduation and instilling the qualities of a strong faculty member. In the masters program, Dr. Kelly provides instruction on organizational dynamics, grant writing, and budgeting necessary for macro social work practice. Students often report they feel well prepared to enter the job market after completing one of Dr. Kelly's classes. Dr. Kelly is an asset to the School of Social Work faculty and his continued support, knowledge and guidance of the students prepares them to excel in the profession after graduating.

Vince Hillyer received his MSW from the School of Social Work in 1994. Since 1999 he has served as Executive Director for Boys and Girls Town, a nationally recognized program serving troubled children and their families. He is responsible for the care, management, and therapy programs of more than 3500 at-risk youth with a history of abuse, neglect, severe behavior disorders and psychological issues. He oversees more than 400 staff members on four campuses in St. James, St. Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Under Vince's leadership, Boys and Girls Town has reorganized and expanded services to reach more children through innovative rehabilitation programs.

Vince is a crusader for children who are victims of abuse and neglect. His career and community service reflect this passion. He has served as a dedicated activist for child welfare for more than 20 years. He continually works to improve and implement programs for Boys and Girls Town as well as other agencies throughout the state. In 2005, Vince was a driving force for achieving increased state funding for residential care facilities statewide. He worked closely with the legislature and the Governor's office to secure a $2.75 million increase in state funding, the first increase in five years. He has also served on several boards of directors including the Missouri Alliance for Children and Families and the Missouri Coalition of Children's Agencies. His expertise gained him appointments to the Stakeholders Advisory Committee of the Children's Services Commission of Missouri, the Surgeon General's Conference of Children's Mental Health, the Missouri Child Welfare System Task Force and the Governor's 21st Century Youth Education and Development Summit. Recently, Vince was named the 2006 Outstanding Child Advocate of the Year by the Missouri Alliance for Children, Youth and Families. Because of Vince's dedication and commitment to the children of Missouri and the social work profession, we are pleased to present him with the 2006 Outstanding Alumni Award.

2005 Award Recipients

Kelly Ferrario is an officer of the Council of Student Social Workers and a member of Phi Alpha Honor Society. Kelly is a model social work student who exhibits professionalism, strong ethics, and caring for others. She has spent many hours volunteering and advocating for oppressed populations. This past year, Kelly took a leadership role in organizing and carrying out a toy drive for victims of the Florida hurricanes, where she collaborated with several campus and community groups. Not only did Kelly manage the collection of nearly 400 toys for these children, but also she helped motivate others and secure funding for shipping the toys to Florida.

Angela Davis is President of the Phi Alpha Honor Society and serves as the MSW Representative on the Board of Directors for the Alumni Organization as well as the Student Representative on the School's Educational Policy Committee. Upon entering the MSW program, Angela got involved immediately and faculty members have since dubbed her the "MSW Poster Child" for all of her efforts on behalf of the School. This past year, Angela took the initiative to organize a reception for the Southeast and Northwest Off-Campus Students while they were attending a class here so that they could interact with their classmates at MU. She has given many hours to the School in her various roles and also through her support of student recruitment, where she has assisted the Coordinator of Student Services, represented the School at several exhibits and fairs, attended student recruitment committee meetings, and provided mentorship and support for fellow students.

Dr. Carol Snively is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work. Prior to academia, Dr. Snively worked for 15 years as a registered/board certified art therapist and social worker with youth and their families in mental health and addiction treatment. In addition to her work on various School and College committees, Dr. Snively serves as a member of the University's Campus Climate and Training Task Force whose mission is to review findings from all five phases of data collection of the MU Campus Climate Study and develop recommended programs and approaches for improving the climate of diversity at Mizzou. She is also active in the community serving as an advisory board member for the McCambridge Center for Women and as a member of The Center Project, where she is helping to organize a community center for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and straight ally residents of mid-Missouri. According to her students, Dr. Snively creates an energized and stimulating learning environment using her experiences from clinical practice and community projects and her research to engage her students in the classroom. Dr. Snively has been described as both challenging and supportive, serving as a mentor and advisor for her students.

Ann Ruhl Woody earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work in 1969 and Master of Science in Social Work in 1971 both from the University of Missouri. After serving as a Social Worker at Fulton State Hospital, Ann has dedicated the majority of her career in working with the Department of Mental Health's Springfield Regional Center. As Director of Community Services, she was responsible for supervising 60 community placement facilities serving more than 500 people with mental illness and developmental disabilities. She developed the first training program for new providers as well as continuing training for existing providers, both of which were implemented statewide in the department. For the past 10 years, she has served as Quality Assurance Specialist investigating reports of abuse and neglect and serving as Chairperson of the Abuse/Neglect Board of Inquiry. The Missouri State Investigators Association presented Ann with the Investigator of the Year Award for 2001-2002. Even today, after retiring from DMH in 2003, Ann has continued to help improve mental health practices as a Contract Investigator for DMH's Springfield and Joplin Regional Centers. She has shown a vested interest in students and social work education through her work on School advisory committees, service as a field instructor, and assistance in securing field placements in the Springfield area. In addition, Ann serves on the SSW Alumni Organization Board of Directors and assists with the School's development efforts.

2004 Award Recipients

Megan Klenke has been selected as the School of Social Work's Outstanding BSW Student. She is a member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society and has volunteered for many very worthy causes. Megan's interpersonal skills are evident through her participation in group projects. She attends to the task at hand, is organized and works very well with other group members to meet the stated goals and deadlines. Megan exemplifies outstanding scholarship, service, and leadership abilities. It becomes very clear to those who interact with her, that she possesses strong personal values, among them integrity and the desire to learn well in order to serve future clients. Megan expresses the desire to learn the theories and skills that underpin the social work profession and follows through with this in all of her course work.

Audrey will be graduating from the MU School of Social Work with her MSW in May 2004. Audrey has not only excelled academically, but has also contributed to bettering her community in a variety of ways. For example, she has worked with social work populations in her job at the Ronald McDonald House and has volunteer experience at numerous community agencies. Through her work with the McCambridge Center for Women, an addiction treatment facility, Audrey has demonstrated promising clinical skills in the area of addiction treatment.

Despite a heavy workload in her courses, Audrey has consistently performed exceptionally well, ranking among the top students. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to the professional practice of social work in mental health and consistently challenges herself to learn about under-served and diverse populations that even well-seasoned and committed social workers tend to neglect.

Audrey's level of involvement, professionalism, and maturity, as she has progressed through the Master of Social Work program is impressive.

Kalea Benner is a Clinical Instructor for the School of Social Work and received both her BSW and MSW here. According to her students, Kalea demonstrates so many of the qualities that this program seeks to instill. She is available to the students and demonstrates this with a true 'open door policy.' She is knowledgeable in the field and shares from a wealth of personal experience. Aside from the knowledge that she carries, she also has a way of making a subject enjoyable. She incorporates a variety of methods in class to encourage and facilitate learning. The information becomes tangible. She is genuine in what she shares and offers to her students. With Kalea, what you see is what you get. Whether it is in the classroom, or at a football game cheering for the Tigers with all her might, Kalea is always who she says she is.

It is a distinct pleasure to present Gene Svebakken with the Outstanding Alumni Award. Forty years ago, Gene earned his Master of Science in Social Work degree at the University of Missouri. Gene is currently president and CEO of Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois, located in Moline. Under his leadership, the Agency has undergone tremendous growth and change, enabling the organization to provide a wider range of human care services around the state.

Over the decades, Gene's contributions to the social services field have been numerous and far-reaching. He has shared his vision and knowledge as a member of boards and committees of state and national organizations far too numerous to mention here. He has served as a practitioner, instructor, lecturer, author, and he is a recipient of the 2004 "Seeds of Hope" Award from Wheat Ridge Ministries, which recognizes individuals for their exemplary dedication and commitment to serving in ministries of health, hope and healing.

Gene has provided outstanding leadership at Lutheran Child and Family Services since he came to the organization as Executive Director in 1978. Gene's lifelong commitment to his profession and the fine example he sets of caring and compassionate leadership make him quite deserving of this award

2003 Award Recipients

Outstanding BSW Student Award: Julie Ditmars
Nominated by Tammy Freelin, MSW

Julie Ditmars is a senior social work major in her 2nd semester of BSW coursework. Julie has excelled academically and has a 3.742 GPA. She works part-time at the Student Parent Childcare Center and also as an OUTReach Peer Educator at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Resource Center. She is a member of the HES Student Council, an HES Student Ambassador, co-president of the Council of Student Social Workers, BSW Representative on the School of Social Work Alumni Board and a volunteer at Derby Ridge Elementary School.

Outstanding BSW Student Award: Dia M. Carpenter
Nominated by Erma Ballenger, PhD

Dia Carpenter is a senior social work major in her 2nd semester of BSW coursework. Dia has excelled academically achieving a 3.828 GPA while maintaining numerous volunteer commitments. In addition to teaching Sunday school and leading a bible study at her church, Dia is “A Way with Words” tutor. Dia is also co-president of the Council of Student Social Workers, an HES Student Ambassador, and member of the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society.

Outstanding MSW Student Award: Kimberly Erin Scott
Nominated by Marjorie Sable, PhD

Kimberly Scott is graduating this semester with a 4.0 grade point average. She has been recognized with the Thurgood Marshall Fellowship, Academic Harvest Award, Academic Excellence Award, Diversity Award, and as a MAP Scholar. Kim served as a research assistant for Dr. Marjorie Sable during the last three semesters and participated on a multi-disciplinary research team. She won a highly competitive block placement as a paid intern with the Veteran’s Administration. Her volunteer activities include work with Granny’s House, Boone Retirement Center, Tiger Columns Retirement Center, and Shalom Plaza. She is a member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society, Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society, North American Association of Christians in Social Work and the National Association of Social Workers.

Outstanding Faculty Award: Assistant Professor Fran Danis, MSW, PhD
Nominated by Jennifer Carter, MSW

Assistant Professor Fran Danis, PhD, joined the University of Missouri School of Social Work in 2000.

Dr. Danis has extensive research and teaching expertise in domestic violence issues and victim assistance. She has authored numerous publications and has a book in progress entitled, “Integrating Domestic Violence Content in the Social Work Foundation Curriculum.” Dr. Danis is a consultant to the Governor’s Task Force on Domestic Violence and has been recognized for her work locally with a Dove Award of Excellence. She is the principal investigator on a US Department of Justice grant entitled “Crime Victims: A Social Work Response: Building Skills to Strengthen Survivors” and received a Big 12 Faculty Fellowship on “Safe Families, Safe Communities.”

Dr. Danis readily offers herself as a resource to students while providing support and encouragement. Her experiential teaching style fosters creative thinking and effective interventions in her students. She is always open to discuss issues and shares her many professional experiences. Dr. Danis is a role model for others bringing tremendous energy and dedication to her teaching, research, and service activities while promoting the social work profession.

Outstanding Alumni Award: William H. Fuser, MS in Social Work ‘70
Nominated by Karen Alvord, LCSW

William H. Fuser received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics in 1965 and a Master of Science in Social Work degree in 1970, both from the University of Missouri.

William founded Lilliput Children’s Services (Sacramento, California) in 1980 after working in public child welfare for ten years. Lilliput Children's Services is a private, non-profit agency licensed by the State of California to provide permanent adoptive homes to children in California's foster care system and is recognized as one of California’s foremost adoption agencies. It has a $3 million annual budget with 35 employees and 7 offices located in Sacramento, Stockton, San Leandro, Redding, Chico, Placerville, and Red Bluff. Last year, Lilliput led the nation in special needs adoptions completed in the private sector.

Fuser has spent his career involved in local, state and national efforts to ensure best practice standards and ethics in the field of adoption. He serves as the legislative chair for the California Association of Adoption Agencies, as treasurer for Voice for Adoption, and as an active member of Family Builders Adoption Network and California Alliance of Children and Family Services. In these capacities, he has been a vocal and active force toward improvement in social work practice and policy in the field of child welfare. The Congressional Coalition on Adoption awarded William with a 2002 Angel in Adoption Award in recognition for outstanding example and commitment to promoting adoption. William Fuser’s innovation and strong commitment to enhancing permanency options for children has significantly impacted California’s public/private collaborations in child welfare, reducing the amount of time foster children have to wait before being adopted by their foster or kin families.

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2002 Award Recipients

Outstanding BSW Student Award
Brent M. Coleman

While serving as President of the Council of Student Social Workers (CSSW), Brent originated and implented a plan for CSSW students to visit area high schools raising awareness about the profession. Selected as an Outstanding Senior, Brent has served as student representative on several committees for the School and is an active member of the Chi Delta Chapter of the Phi Alpha Honor Society, where he earned its highest merit. Phi Alpha is a national honor society that promotes humanitarian goals, fosters high standards of scholarship, and aids in preparing students for professional social work roles. Brent is awarded the Outstanding BSW Student award for his consistent demonstration of scholarship, leadership, and service.

Outstanding MSW Student Award
Nadie Antranette Dubose

Nadie Dubose has contributed much during her academic career with the School. She has served on several committees helping to evaluate policies and procedures that impact students. Recognizing the need for many entering graduate students for writing assistance, Nadie originated and taught writing skills courses for fellow students. While working as a Research Assistant, Nadie represented the School to community colleges and high schools as well as at academic fairs throughout the state, including the St. Louis Black Expo. She was honored by the St. Louis Chapter of the National Black Association for her essay on the future impact of the AIDS epidemic in Africa and was presented a scholarship for her efforts. Nadie is awarded the Outstanding MSW Student award for her consistent demonstration of scholarship, leadership, and service.

Outstanding Faculty Award
Marjorie Sable, MSW, MPH, DrPH

Associate Professor Margie Sable joined the University of Missouri School of Social Work in 1994. She serves as Director of Doctoral Studies, and has conducted research on maternal and child health, adolescent pregnancy, psychosocial barriers to prenatal care and family planning, domestic violence, and perinatal substance abuse.

Recently, Dr. Sable traveled to South Africa and Turkey, incorporating these experiences into her courses. This global perspective is instrumental for her students while they learn about other cultures, social systems, and issues.

Dr. Sable graduated with an MSW from Washington University in 1975, and later earned a master’s and doctorate in public health from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1984 and 1987, respectively. She has worked with the Missouri Department of Health and in medical social work.

Dr. Sable is awarded the Outstanding Faculty Award for demonstrating professionalism and inspiring students through her work as an advisor, professor, and practitioner. Students commend her for challenging, directing, and supporting them as social workers.

Outstanding Alumni Award
James C. Brady, MSW ‘78

James Brady received an MSW degree from MU in 1978. He has worked in a variety of mental health and substance abuse treatment settings, both in Missouri and in his home state of Washington. In 1987, he joined the staff of Fulton State Hospital working with clients who are mentally ill or mentally ill criminal offenders. Jim was instrumental in creating a program for the treatment of clients with both major mental illness and substance abuse problems, and serves as Program Coordinator for STAR (Substance Treatment and Recovery), a program replicated in other facilities around the state.

As Supervisor of Social Work Education at Fulton State Hospital, Jim arranges in-service training for the social work staff, many of whom are MU alumni. He also contributes his time and energy helping coordinate the School’s field placement program at the hospital, and serves as adjunct social work instructor for Columbia College, William Woods University, and MU.

Mr. Brady earned the Outstanding Alumni Award for his leadership abilities and significant contributions to the profession. His alumni peers have acknowledged him as a role model for demonstrating high ethical standards, exemplary professional practice, and support of social workers.

Outstanding Staff Award
Kathleen Claxton, Graduate Team Support

Kathleen Claxton serves as the Graduate Team Support person for the School and students know they can count on her. During what can be a challenging time in their lives, Kathleen is always available to help navigate the system, provide empathy, and respond to students’ needs. When introduced at each year’s Fall Convocation, Kathleen receives a standing ovation from students because she has already done so much to ease their transition to graduate school. This year, graduate students petitioned the Alumni Board to create a special recognition for her. Kathleen is awarded this special Outstanding Staff Award to acknowledge and thank her for her efforts.