Photo by Giorgio Trovato on UnsplashEach academic year, one social work student, from each program is named the "Dean's Outstanding Social Work Student." The social work faculty nominates individuals who have achieved an outstanding grade point average and who has also demonstrated scholarship and contributions through participation in academically-related community activities.
Robert Reese Joiner, the Outstanding BSW Student for the Department of Social Work, is from Fairhope, AL and expected to graduate with honors with a BSW degree in May of this year. Joiner has excelled in his studies in UAB’s undergraduate Social Work program. He has worked as a Peer Support Specialist at JBS Mental Health Authority and as a College Math Tutor. He has held leadership roles in the Student Health and Wellness Center, as a Student Advisory Board Member and the Social Chair at Beyond Measures A Capella. Joiner’s nominators boast about his aptitude for research.
Joseph Abua, the Outstanding MSW Student of the Year, hails from Nigeria. He is anticipated to graduate with his Master’s degree in May of this year. He is currently working with UAB’s Institute for Human Rights and serves as the coordinator of the Cameroon Humanitarian Relief Commission. Joseph spends his spare time volunteering at the UAB Blazer Kitchen, the Fire House Shelter, and several other community programs—all while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. In his MSW field placement, Joseph works in the Community Assistance, Referral and Education Services (CARES) Department, working with the Birmingham community to decrease dependency on emergency services through education, patient advocacy, community collaboration and policy change. Both instructors and field supervisors have noted the positive impact Joseph has made in the lives of the individuals, families and the communities he serves.
Norman Eggleston is the founder of UAB’s social work program and the namesake of our final award. Eggleston endured many hardships during his education quest yet persevered to obtain his doctorate. The Norman Eggleston Award is reserved for a social work student who has overcome significant adversities in their pursuit of their degree.
The 2020 Norman Eggleston Awardee is Virginia “Ginny” Blair. Ginny has had with many obstacles and stumbling blocks but she exemplifies how obstacles can be overcome and stumbling blocks can become stepping stones. Ginny credits her fortitude to obtain her degree to a social worker who helped turn her life around and to being a living example for her daughter.
