Office of Field Education names 2025 community award winners
The VCU School of Social Work is pleased to announce the six recipients of its 2025 Office of Field Education Community Partner Awards. The keynote speaker was Lenise Mazyck, M.S.W., LCSW, whose topic was “Grow Your Own Way: My Journey Through Burnout and Transformative Growth.”
Outstanding New Field Instructor Award
Alum Kim Close-Jensen (M.S.W.’97), social worker, Fairfax County Public Schools
Criteria: A field instructor new to the role (within one to two years) this academic year who should be recognized for exceptional field education.
Outstanding Field Instructor Award
Brandon Foster, therapist, Virginia Wesleyan University
Criteria: A field instructor who should be recognized for exceptional field education.
Outstanding Task Supervisor Award
Alum Grace Dowdy (B.S.W.’21, M.S.W.’23), community reentry advocate, OAR of Richmond
Criteria: A task supervisor who should be recognized for exceptional support to field education.
Amy Rosenblum Field Instructor Award
Alum Madison Woodroof (B.S.’14, M.S.W.’17), basic needs program coordinator, VCU Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success
Criteria: A field instructor with at least five years of service in the role, excellence in teaching/supervision of students, and ongoing collaboration with the School of Social Work. Amy Rosenblum is a former assistant director of field instruction who retired in 2005 after 25 years with the VCU School of Social Work.
Field Liaison of the Year
Glenda Blake, VCU SSW community-embedded faculty member
Criteria: A liaison that has demonstrated exceptional student teaching, agency coordination, and overall support to field education.
Outstanding Community Partner
Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation
Criteria: An agency or organization that should be recognized for providing exceptional field education opportunities for our students through targeted community impact.
