Skip to content Skip to main navigation Skip to footer

Dr. Lynn Shaw Named 2023 Social Worker of the Year by NASWIN

April 11, 2023 in Faculty in the News

University of Indianapolis Associate Professor of Social Work/MSW Field Director Dr. Lynn Shaw, Ed.D., MSW, LCSW, LCAC has been named the 2023 Region 7 Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers Indiana Chapter (NASWIN). 

Region 7 consists of Tipton, Madison, Hamilton, Boone, Hendricks, Marion, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, Morgan counties. The Social Worker of the Year Award is an annual award given to a social work professional who has demonstrated outstanding social work practice and involvement with NASW and other professional, civic, and community organizations. 

Dr. Shaw was nominated due to her continued effort and devotion to helping students, faculty, and social workers and supporting them as they work toward their goals.

“The award represents the ongoing efforts of the social work profession to affirm and support one another,” said Dr. Shaw, “Being recognized means that my work, particularly in social work education, is valued. I am very honored and humbled by the recognition throughout the State of Indiana through the National Association of Social Workers of Indiana.”

Dr. Shaw graduated from the UIndy School of Business with a Legal Assistant Associates Degree, and has been working as a practitioner in social work for over thirty years. This will be her ninth year teaching social work at UIndy. 

“It’s been a blast to come full circle all these years later and serve at UIndy during this stage of my career,” she said.

UIndy offers social work programs at bachelors and masters levels. Students have to pass the state licensure exams to call themselves a social worker. These professional degrees prepare students for these exams through field education and practicum or internships. 

“As part of my duties, I am the MSW Director of Field Education, and I enjoy working with our students in the area of professional development. It’s rewarding to watch the students embrace the field work where they are working alongside professionals. Many of them get offered employment upon completion of their practicum,” said Dr. Shaw, “It’s also rewarding to work with a cohort of adult learners who are eager to attain their degree, get licensed, and work with populations and social issues where they want to make an impact. I’m a part of their journey; they do the work.”