Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) faculty and staff have once again claimed a Catalyst Award from Anthology, a provider of education solutions. The 2023 Catalyst Award for Community Engagement was awarded to EKU Social Work Associate Professor Pam Black and Professor Caroline Reid, Ph.D., and Instructional Designer Mary Henson in recognition of their work on the undergraduate social work practicum experience. The award honors institutions using Anthology solutions to foster connections between school districts, institutions, educators, students and families to improve student achievement and create a supportive learning environment.
In EKU’s undergraduate social work practicum, students are guided through the experience online in a collaborative effort of the campus community, student community and professional community. Through the experience, EKU students work to facilitate and create change for marginalized communities targeting social, economic and environmental injustice. Students impact many different aspects of their communities from drug rehabilitation to child and family services. Evaluations from agency staff indicated 97% of students were ready to begin social work practice following the practicum.
“I’m so proud of the EKU team for their exceptional teamwork, dedication and commitment to improve our students’ online learning experience,” said Assistant Professor Stephanie Saulnier, social work department chair. “It’s fitting that our most recent Catalyst Award recognizes community engagement, which is a hallmark of EKU’s social work programs.”
The Catalyst Awards recognize and honor innovation and excellence within Anthology’s global community, where millions of educators and learners work every day to redefine what is possible when leveraging technology. Winners, representing the best in their fields, are recognized across nine categories and selected by a cross-functional team of Anthology experts.
"We’re pleased to honor this year's Catalyst Award winners for their commitment to improving the educational experience for all learners through EdTech and sharing these insights with the broader community," said Jim Milton, chairman and chief executive officer at Anthology. "We’re proud to partner with institutions who are innovating to advance student success.”
EKU’s 100% online social work degrees—including bachelor’s, master’s and graduate certificates—provide students with a strong foundation to become ethical leaders, strengthen communities and positively impact the lives of individuals and families. In addition to social work, EKU offers engaging academic programs in a variety of high-demand fields, online and on campus.