Hero Image

Awards

The School of Social Work has several awards and scholarships available for undergraduate students. For more information about grants and scholarships available at Southern Adventist University, visit the Finances website.               

Academic Excellence

  • The Academic Excellence Award is given to a graduating BSW senior who demonstrates superior academic excellence. This is defined as performance of work recognized at a level, above and beyond the expected standard established…expected standard established by the School of Social Work (see BSW Student Handbook, Criteria for Evaluation of Student Performance for reference). The student should be in their senior year and be in the top 20% of their class.
  • This award may be given to more than one student who displays superior academic excellence, and it can be given together with any other award. Student(s) chosen for award will be nominated by the respected academic teams (i.e., BSW or MSW Teams) and voted by the School of Social Work faculty.

Excellence in Field

  • The Excellence in Field Award is given to a graduating senior who shows a commitment to social work practice and goes above and beyond the requirements of field, as well as exceeding expectations in most, if not all, areas of professional performance outlined in the learning plan.
  • Nominations are made by the field instructors and task supervisor from the agency at which the student is completing practicum hours. School of Social Work faculty review the nominations and select the recipient.
  • This award may be given together with the Academic Excellence Award if the student meets the criteria.
  • The Excellence in Field Award is presented at the Senior Recognition Banquet.

Leadership

  • The departmental Leadership Award is given to a graduating senior who has shown leadership in class, the Social Work Club, Phi Alpha Honor Society, and department-sponsored activities.
  • This award is determined by faculty nomination with peer input.
  • This award may be given together with the Academic Excellence Award if the student meets the criteria.
  • The Leadership Award is presented at the Senior Recognition Banquet.

René Drumm Research

  • The René Drumm Research Award is given to a graduating senior who has displayed a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. The student must have a top-scored final product in research class and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
  • This award is determined by faculty nomination.
  • This award may be given together with the Academic Excellence Award if the student meets the criteria.
  • The René Drumm Research Award is presented at the Senior Recognition Banquet.

The Social Work Major of the Year

  • The Social Work Major of the Year Award is given to a graduating senior who demonstrates academic achievement, reflects the values of the School of Social Work, participates in service activities, is an active member of the Social Work Club, achieves the recognition of peers and professionals, and demonstrates support of staff and the school.
  • This award is determined by faculty nomination with peer input.
  • This award may be given together with the Academic Excellence Award if the student meets the criteria.
  • The Social Work Major of the Year Award is presented at the Senior Recognition Banquet.

Top Achiever

  • The Top Achiever Award is given to multiple students with freshmen, sophomore, or junior status. Recipients are selected based on overall GPA, class standing, and professionalism. This award is accompanied by a monetary amount that is applied to the recipients' financial account during the following school year.
  • This award is determined by faculty nomination.
  • The Top Achiever Award is presented during Southern's Award Convocation during the month of April.

Ed Lamb Community Service Scholarship

  • The Ed Lamb Community Service Scholarship Award is given to a student with freshman, sophomore, or junior status. The student must have a minimum 2.5 GPA. They must also display extensive community service leadership and passion for service. This award is accompanied by a monetary amount that is applied to the recipients' financial account during the following school year.
  • This award is determined by faculty nomination.
  • The Ed Lamb Community Service Scholarship Award is presented during Winter Semester's department convocation.

Distinguished Alumni

  • The Distinguished Alumni Award is given to a BSW or MSW alumni who is in the field of social work with preference given to those who have had one to two years of post-graduation experience.
  • Nominees must show a commitment to social work practice and be highly esteemed by colleagues and peers.
  • The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented during Winter Semester's department convocation

NASW Social Work Student of the Year

  • The National Association of Social Work Tennessee Chapter (Southeast Branch) Social Work Student of the Year Award honors a student member of NASW who is enrolled at least half-time in a social work program and has created a positive influence on classmates for the profession, as well as maintained academic achievement.
  • Nominations for the NASW Social Work Student of the Year Award address: how the nominee has integrated social work knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values; accomplishments of the nominee at the university and in the community; what challenges the nominee faced to achieve results; and who has benefited from the nominee's efforts.
  • This award is presented during the annual NASW Social Work Month Celebration Dinner in the Chattanooga area.