Dr. Pam Clary, assistant professor of social work at Missouri Western State University, was named Missouri Social Worker of the Year by the state chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. The organization also honored Dave Summers of St. Joseph as its Public Citizen of the Year. The awards were presented at the 2017 Show-Me Symposium Awards Luncheon on March 31 at Lake Ozark, Missouri.
The Social Worker of the Year Award honors a member of the NASW Missouri Chapter who exemplifies the best of the Chapter’s mission through extraordinary and specific professional accomplishment in areas such as leadership, advocacy, adherence to the Code of Ethics and promotion of the profession. Dr. Clary was nominated by her faculty colleagues, Jana Frye and Dr. Matt Loehr.
“It would be impossible to name the many people that Dr. Clary touches with her work,” reads their nomination letter. “She has contact with students, peers, co-workers, community members, church members and many more. Dr. Clary truly makes a difference in the world of social work.”
Dr. Clary has been a social worker for almost 30 years, working as a therapist, parent and child educator, victim services advocate, community services advocate, educator, mediator and more. She has worked full-time at Missouri Western since 2007, and is currently director of the Bachelor of Social Work program. She previously worked at the Family Guidance Center and the YWCA in St. Joseph. Dr. Clary received a Drum Major for Justice Award from Missouri Western for her commitment to social justice and cultural diversity, and has been actively involved in the annual Walk for the Homeless sponsored by the Organization of Student Social Workers to raise funds for the Social Welfare Board.
Dr. Clary earned an associate’s degree from Highland Community College, two bachelor’s degrees from Kansas State University, a master’s from the University of Kansas, and her doctorate from Kansas State.
The Public Citizen of the Year Award recognizes a non-social worker who exemplifies the best of the Chapter’s mission through outstanding leadership, promotion of improved social services, and contribution to the public’s knowledge of social work and social problems. Summers, owner of Summers Motors, was nominated by Dr. Clary, Frye and Dr. Loehr for his support of the Walk for the Homeless.
“Dave is truly a humble, kind man truly interested in the plight of those who are less fortunate,” reads the nomination letter. “While others could have easily just written a check and felt good about helping, Dave rolls up his sleeves and gets involved.”
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.