Jenna Mangum, BSSW Campus – Nominated by Juli Cunningham
Jenna Rae always comes to seminar excited to participate, and process situations that have happened in field. She validates her classmates feelings and concerns, while suggesting approaches that they may not have considered.Jenna Rae connects theory to practice and demonstrates strong advocacy skills. I have no doubt Jenna Rae is going to do big things and touch so many lives. She is such a bIessing to have in class(it’s impossible not to smile when she does.) I am so thankful to have been a part of her undergraduate experience.
Megan Riedinger, BSSW Campus – Nominated by Herb Piercy
Ms. Riedinger is a gem. She has a passion for the work of a forensic social worker that is infectious. I believe that she has the capacity to be a great social worker, whatever she chooses to do. She accepts responsibilities offered to her without reservation. She Is a joy to be around and makes everything easier. She is quick to see strengths and growth edges of her teammates, then seamlessly works within those parameters, filling in cracks and helping to get the job done without making anyone feel bad. I guess this is a nice way for me to say that she has matched my areas of weakness without making me feel like that is what she was doing. She is so good at everything I have asked her to do that sometimes I forget she is an undergraduate. Even in those moments where we find holes in her knowledge, normal for a student, she is good at asking questions and researching to fill the void and increase her personal database. I have zero doubt that Megan will not only complete the program, but she will also shine a light on the University of Tennessee College of Social Work that the faculty and staff will be proud to receive. If she doesn’t leave graduate school with some sort of award or recognition, I would be very surprised. I would be proud of have my name attached to anything this woman accomplishes. She has been a joy to supervise in her internship.
Caroline Correll, BSSW Campus – Nominated by Jamie Travis
Caroline Correll was great to have in seminar. She was consistently supportive of her peers, both in seminar and in their discussions on canvas. She’s attentive, respectful, and insightful. She’s also excited about learning and open to feedback. Caroline really was a pleasure to work with and I believe she’ll accomplish whatever she sets her mind to. I’m certain she’ll be an asset to whatever agency and population she chooses to work with.
Dawna McGinnis, BSSW Online – Nominated by Kristina Boles Field instructor
It was not a surprise to hear that Dawna was chosen as one of the 2024 Outstanding Students in Field. When considering qualities of a social work intern, Dawna embodies those essential for success – compassion, adaptability and a desire to learn. As her field instructor, I can attest she exceeded all expectations and regularly went above and beyond helping meet the needs of our school community. With a thorough understanding of culture, community and the impact of kindness, Dawna cultivated an atmosphere of respect and team work amongst all stakeholders. Her commitment to her field placement, and the families she served, continues to make a difference. I am confident she will excel as a social worker and look forward to watching her make a greater impact in the community she serves.
Latoya Hargis, BSSW Online – Nominated by Police Chief Jessie Brooks Field Instructor
When I came to the Crossville Police Department, Latoya Hargis served as the City Court Clerk. Her office at that time was just outside of my office door. One of her duties at the time was to assist people who had a traffic case involving city court. During this time, I saw that she has compassion and understanding for people and has put a lot of time and effort into helping them when she can. I also observed her help people when they were not involved with the court system. I concluded that she was a wonderful person and was happy she tried to help people in need and tried to clear any confusion people had about the justice system.In 2020, I found that people needed help that did not involve law enforcement, and I elected to implement a Social Service Division within the department. I knew Latoya had been working on her Social Services Degree and asked her to help me build this program. So many events required her knowledge and passion that I lost count, but her understanding of people and their needs has been instrumental in building the program.
Adrianna Smith, MSSW Knoxville -Nominated by Martina Ward
Adrianna Smith has earned Practicum Student of the Year through her unequivocal dedication to service and commitment to ethics and excellence in practice. Adrianna’s practicum is partly employment-based. As a Residence Hall Director, Adrianna is available to a multitude of UTK students for guidance, support, and intervention. As she works with students through struggles and joys, Adrianna embodies servant leadership – she leads by example and with integrity. Others also recognize Adrianna’s excellence. A Hall Director without a graduate degree is unusual. Adrianna holds her post because she is a knowledgeable, skillful leader. She devotes long hours to being on call throughout nights and many weekends to attend to UT students’ safety and well-being. On top of all this, Adrianna took on an EXTRA practicum role with the Knox-Area Branch of the TN-NASW, further demonstrating her commitment to service and the profession. Adrianna has been instrumental in recruiting students to the NASW and branch steering committee. This nomination is incomplete without acknowledgement of Adrianna’s other volunteer service as a Peer Leader Liaison with the Tennessee Teen Institute – a camp promoting safety, health, and well-being of teens in Tennessee. Besides all she does for campus and social work, Adrianna also joyfully gives her time, energy, and talents to support young people in our state. Adrianna is second to none. Her service, integrity, sense of humor, and relentless effort to support the inherent dignity and worth of all people make her an inspiration for us all.
Jennifer Snook, MSSW Nashville Organizational Leadership Concentration – Nominated by Renee Badon
This student has gone above and beyond to stretch herself to learn new skills, ask the hard questions, and helped push the organizational leadership to be better in all aspects of our work. Her commitment to the ethical standards of social work and the mission of this organization is inspiring. Her new skill set is a result of her MSW classes and not from the work in and of itself. She is dedicated and hard work working in all she believes. She is very worthy of receiving this award.
Caroline Bradshaw, MSSW Nashville Clinical Practice – Nominated by Ashley McMillen, Maryam Moosa Williams, James Moorehead, and Abbie Phifer
Since starting at VPH, Caroline, has been a great addition to our PAS team. She is professional and compassionate about learning. She is kind and compassionate towards our diverse population and works hard.
Caroline is an outstanding student. She takes initiative, is hard working, compassionate, and a leader. Caroline is also kind, a critical thinker, flexible, and excellent communicator. I believe she will do well and excel in the social work field. She is passionate about this work.
Caroline is an exceptional intern and has such a bright future as a social worker. She is strengths-based, solution-focused, inquisitive, and insightful. She is timely and has excellent communication skills. She has been a true joy to have in our department! Thank you for all of your hard work, Caroline! We appreciate you!
Claire Burdick, MSSW Nashville Generalist – Nominated by Tracy Smith
Claire is a smart, enthusiastic, great listener, energetic go-getter! She displayed the competencies and skills she learned in class all the while of learning a new language. We love her and want her to know she has set the bar high for interns to follow after her.
In addition to her field placement, Claire has participated in the Interprofessional Education-Chronic Illness Management program. Here, she has demonstrated exceptional commitment to clients, ability for critical thinking, and commitment for interprofessional collaboration. She should be commended for her dedication to social work values!
Sarah Wallis, MSSW Online – Nominated by Alexandra Lawrence
Sarah is an outstanding field student. She has gone above and beyond the expectations of an intern. She not only meets with her students and has established great relationships with her caseload, but also is open to helping in any and all situations. She is reliable, kind and is a great addition to our school community!
McKenzie Houchin, MSSW Online – Nominated by Emily Hughey
McKenzie is always up for a challenge and willing to try something that may initially put her outside of her comfort zone. She provides a relatable and down-to-earth presence that allows patients to feel comfortable when working with her. She is open to feedback, always willing to ask questions, and is eager to help where she can. McKenzie is already a wonderful addition to the social work profession.