Jan O’Donnell Receives Outstanding Faculty Service Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 9, 2007
Kathleen McPartland
530-898-4260
Jan O’Donnell Receives Outstanding Faculty Service Award
Jan O’Donnell, a professor in the School of Social Work since 1974, has been selected to receive the Outstanding Service Award at California State University, Chico. She was chosen for her years of public service, including contributions to the School of Social Work, the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, the University, the community and her profession.
A major contribution to the School of Social Work is her key role in developing a one-year and a two-year Master’s in Social Work program, both of which are now accredited. Also, in response to a community demand for an alternative delivery graduate degree, O’Donnell recently designed and implemented a three-year weekend MSW program that began this fall.
“Jan is one of those unique colleagues who leaves footprints,” said the dean of the College of BSS, Robert Jackson. “Her leadership in developing the MSW program is a model for all of us. Without Jan O’Donnell’s tireless leadership, it is difficult to imagine that this milestone would have been accomplished. In just a few short years, the MSW has become the largest graduate program at CSU, Chico. It is an unparalleled accomplishment.”
“Jan was one of the few people who listened to the agency folks talk about the need for increasing the number of social workers in the North State,” said Cheryl Harrison, Glenn County Child Welfare supervisor. “She worked diligently for years to make this happen.”
“Professor O’Donnell has been instrumental in building collaborative relationships with professionals and community agencies throughout Northern California,” said Patty Hunter, director of field education, School of Social Work. “She understands the value of an educational institution partnering with the communities it serves. Her work has resulted in numerous benefits to the citizens of the North State.”
O’Donnell has spent much of her career in leadership positions with her department. She was the director of the MSW program from 2002 to 2004. She has been the director of the School of Social Work, coordinator of the Social Work Program and chair of the Department of Social Work.
O’Donnell has served the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences on the BSS Executive Committee, the curriculum committee and the professional development committee. She has also served on several BSS human services planning and development committees and an affirmative action committee.
O’Donnell received her BA and her MSW from Michigan State University. The Northern California Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers honored her as Social Work Administrator of the Year in 2000.
“Through Jan’s commitment, she has been leading the charge to increase the competency, skill and knowledge that Chico State graduates bring into the world,” said Donna Jensen, a former student of O’Donnell’s and current Licensed Clinical Social Worker. “Jan O’Donnell is an institution in our community. She is the foundation of the School of Social Work at CSU, Chico.”
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