Dr. Marie Watkins Earns National Honors for Social Work
Nazareth College Community Youth Development Professor Marie Watkins earned national honors with a Mentor Recognition Award from The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). She recently accepted the award at the national CSWE Annual Program Conference in Denver, Colorado.
Watkins '73 is a 20-year faculty member at Nazareth College. She earned her bachelor's at Nazareth, and a master's, an M.S.W., and a Ph.D. at Syracuse University. She was nominated by Doyle Pruitt '01.
"For almost 19 years, Doyle and I have transitioned our relationship from faculty/student to mentor/mentee and now to colleagues/friends," said Watkins. "Over the years, Doyle and I have had the opportunity to 'grow up' together and learn from each other. Dr. Pruitt's nomination is a testimony to the importance of relationships in higher education, and I am deeply humbled by her recognition."
Pruitt earned her social work and psychology degrees at Nazareth and went on to get her master's in social work at Syracuse and her Ph.D. in social welfare at University of Buffalo. She has a clinical practice specializing in children and families, trauma, and juvenile delinquency. Pruitt began teaching full-time in 2010 and has been Keuka College's Master of Social Work program director since 2014.
"Dr. Watkins remains one of the most dedicated, intelligent, passionate, and capable teachers and professionals I have encountered in academia as a student and now as an associate professor and program director," said Pruitt. "Her tireless energy, willingness to go above and beyond for students and colleagues, and patience, are incomparable. I have witnessed her mentor countless young adults over the 20 years we have known each other. She provides opportunities to people who are often overlooked, oppressed, or disenfranchised. She is a gift to Nazareth College, the city of Rochester, and the helping professions. She is the embodiment of 'Be the change you want to see in the world.' "
The award is sponsored by the Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education and the CSWE Feminist Network. Its purpose is to recognize faculty who have served as mentors to support the personal and professional growth of social workers and future social work educators.
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Dr. Marie Watkins (left) in Denver to receive her national Mentor Recognition Award, with Dr. Doyle Pruitt, who nominated her for the award.