Karen Whitlock, a Masters of Social Work candidate, was selected as the Social Work Student of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) – New Mexico Chapter.
Whitlock was selected among hundreds of social work students attending WNMU, Eastern New Mexico University, New Mexico State University and New Mexico Highlands University. Patrick Tyrrell, Executive Director of NASW – New Mexico, explained that Whitlock stood out among other students for demonstrating both academic proficiency and strong adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics.
“The honored individual has made outstanding contributions to the social work profession and is a recognized leader among her peers,” said Tyrrell.
Whitlock is a student board member of the Chapter Board of NASW. She has assisted in organizing the Rural Social Work Conference and has helped advocate for social work causes including the securing of Social Work licensing in New Mexico.
Whitlock is earning her Master of Social Work degree in May and during her last semester of college has been interning for the NASW New Mexico Chapter. Her experience includes lobbying for social work issues in the New Mexico State Legislature during the last legislative session.
Whitlock returned to earn her master degree after originally earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science at the American University in 1985. During her time at WNMU she interned for several organizations including the Volunteer Center of Grant County and for the Healthy Kids Healthy Communities program.