Jackson State University Professor Brian Anderson, Ph.D., was recently named the 2022-2023 Social Work Educator of the Year award by the Alabama/Mississippi Social Work Education Conference for the fourth time. The professor previously received awards in 2009, 2014, and 2019.
“I am extremely humbled for the opportunity and the acknowledgement. I do not take being awarded this title lightly nor in vain,” said Anderson. “This is what actually motivates me to continue to do those things that would assist and represent the people that I serve every day.”
Each year the Alabama/Mississippi Social Work Education conference honors social work practitioners as Educator of the Year from each of the two states. This prestigious award is the conference’s recognition of committed servants who have exceeded industry expectations and diligently responded to the call of duty with tenacity and perseverance – embodying the teaching, service, and spirit of scholarship necessary in social work.
“This award, for me, reaffirms the work that I engage in and the importance of the work that I do, but I always remain mindful that I do the work not for awards but for the betterment of the social work field and gaining the representation needed at all levels,” said Anderson.
The conference recently celebrated 50 years of operation. This year’s theme was “The Legacy of Social Work and Social Change.” In alignment with the theme, nominees for Educator of the Year were considered for the award based on the following criteria:
● Active involvement with Alabama/Mississippi Social Work Conference
● Scholar activity, service, and leadership
● Community service/outreach
● Model of professionalism for social work students
Media Contact: Kyle Kidd-Buckner, Kyle.d.kidd-buckner@jsums.edu