Published on : March 5, 2020
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Washington, D.C., March 5, 2020 – The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) presented Rep. Susan Davis, D-Calif., with a lifetime achievement award to recognize her commitment to advancing quality social work education.
Davis is a former social worker, Chair of the Higher Education and Workforce Subcommittee of the House Education and Labor Committee, and a member of the Congressional Social Work Caucus. She holds an MSW from the University of North Carolina and served 10 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives over 19 years. She chose not to seek reelection in 2020.
The award was presented by CSWE Chairwoman Saundra Starks, EdD, MSW, program director at Western Kentucky University, and CSWE President and CEO Darla Spence Coffey, PhD, MSW.
“It is a true privilege and honor to receive this award from my fellow social workers and educators. I have been fortunate to bring my social work experience to my work in Congress for the past 19 years, as I have led efforts to increase support for higher education and public health,” said Davis. “Thank you to the Council on Social Work Education for all the work it does to promote programs that create quality social workers.”
“Congresswoman Davis has been a true champion for social workers, educators, and students throughout her time in Congress, but also a champion for children and families in need of opportunities. It is our pleasure to recognize her with this award and thank her for years of service,” said Starks.
As a social worker in southern California, Davis practiced in clinical settings and focused on children and families and worked to improve education available to the Pala Indian Reservation. In Congress, Davis worked to increase access to strengthen our education system, pushed to reauthorize the Higher Education Act, increase research funding, and sought to improve college affordability. Beyond education initiatives, she sought to improve health care and support for veterans.
Coffey noted that Davis’ experience in political, clinical and field settings shows the many ways that social workers can affect positive change. “While we will certainly miss her presence on Capitol Hill, we know that Congresswoman Davis is returning home to continue serving communities in need,” she said. “She has been a true public servant and we thank her for service.”
About CSWE
Founded in 1952, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national association representing social work education in the United States. Its members include over 800 accredited baccalaureate and master’s degree social work programs, as well as individual social work educators, practitioners, and agencies dedicated to advancing quality social work education