Rebecca O. Turner Social Worker of the Year Award

Award Description 

The Rebecca O. Turner Social Worker of the Year Award, established in 2019 and administered by the Jacksonville State University Social Work Program, honors a social worker who has made an extraordinary, career‑long contribution to the profession. This award recognizes an individual whose work reflects the highest standards of service, ethical practice, social justice, and commitment to human dignity. 

This award is named in honor of Dr. Rebecca O. Turner, whose legacy spans more than 50 years of service to the profession in both traditional and nontraditional social work roles. 

Dr. Turner began her work at Jacksonville State University as an instructor in the Department of Sociology and Social Work. She earned her BSW from the University of Montevallo; her MSW from the University of Alabama; and later, while working to establish the BSW program at JSU, her Doctorate of Social Work—also from the University of Alabama. 

Her decades of leadership, mentorship, and advocacy shaped countless students, colleagues, and community partners. This award celebrates professionals who embody the same lifelong dedication to service and excellence. 


Required Eligibility  

To be eligible for this award, the nominee must: 

  • Be a full‑time licensed social worker 
  • Be a graduate of the Jacksonville State University Social Work Program (BSW and/or MSW) 
  • Demonstrate a career‑long commitment to advancing the social work profession 

Eligibility (licensure and degree) will be verified internally by the Social Work Department. 


Nomination Criteria  

Nominators will be asked to provide brief narrative responses describing how the nominee demonstrates the criteria below. Note: Specific examples are encouraged, but nominators should not feel pressure to provide extensive detail.   

  1. Career‑Long Service and Impact 
    • The nominee has demonstrated sustained service that positively influenced individuals, communities, organizations, or systems over time. 
    • Examples: long‑term program development, leadership roles, measurable community impact, or sustained agency contributions. 
  2. Commitment to Social Justice
    • The nominee has actively worked to address inequities and promote fairness, access, and inclusion. 
    • Examples: advocacy efforts, policy involvement, equity‑focused initiatives, or community organizing. 
  3. Importance of Human Relationships
    • The nominee prioritizes relationships as central to effective social work practice. 
    • Examples: mentorship of others, collaboration across disciplines, relationship‑centered practice with clients or communities. 
  4. Dignity and Worth of the Person
    • The nominee consistently demonstrates respect, cultural humility, and ethical judgment in practice. 
    • Examples: client‑centered decision‑making, ethical leadership, respect for diverse lived experiences. 
  5. Competence and Integrity
    • The nominee models high professional standards and ethical conduct. 
    • Examples: continued professional development, evidence‑based practice, leadership grounded in integrity. 
  6. Leadership and Advancement of the Profession
    • The nominee has contributed to the growth or advancement of the social work profession. 
    • Examples: leadership roles, innovation in practice, mentorship, teaching, or influence beyond their immediate role. 
  7. JSU Engagement & Alumni Contribution (preferred but notrequired)
    • Gives back to JSU and supports student/professional pipelines. 
    • Examples: Hosting interns, guest lecturing, alumni mentorship, collaborating on research or practice partnerships. 


Who Can Nominate 

Nominations are welcome from: 

  • Current or former students 
  • Colleagues 
  • Supervisors or administrators 
  • Community partners 

Review & Selection 

  • Nominations are reviewed by the Jacksonville State University Social Work Program Faculty and Administration. 
  • Once an award recipient is selected, the Social Work Program may request additional information directly from the awardee, such as: Resume or CV, licensure details, information needed for award recognition or presentation 
  • Nomination Deadline: February 1 each year 
  • Award Announcement: Social Work Conference (Mid-March) 
  • Late or incomplete submissions can’t be reviewed. 
    One awardee annually. 
    Do not include any identifiable client information. De‑identify any case examples. 

Nomination Form