School of Social Work Professor Awarded Distinguished Alumni Award

03/2/16

Dr. Pamela Monroe, Lois Canulette & W.A. “Buster” Baker Alumni Professor in the LSU School of Social Work, was awarded the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia.

Since 1980, the Distinguished Alumni Award has recognized a graduate of Family and Consumer Sciences who has made lifelong contributions that reflect the beliefs and values of the College.

“Dr. Monroe is a respected member of the faculty here at the School of Social Work,” SSW Director Wesley Church said. “She has served in various leadership positions at LSU and the school.  Her experience and knowledge of public policy and poverty are assets to the School of Social Work and LSU.”

Monroe, who holds a PhD in Child and Family Development with a concentration in Public Policy from UGA, began her career in public policy as a policy analyst in the Louisiana House of Representatives on the Health and Welfare Committee. She later took a position as an assistant professor at Louisiana State University in 1990 and has been an integral component of the Child and Family Science program and the School of Social Work for nearly 30 years.

In her teaching career, Monroe received LSU’s prestigious James W. Trott Award for teaching and research excellence and was twice awarded endowed professorships from LSU. She also served as the associate dean of LSU Graduate School and the interim dean of the LSU School of Social Work.

More of her accomplishments can be seen in the field of research, in which she specializes in community engagement, family relations, and poverty prevention.

Monroe has published nearly 50 articles and book chapters on various social science subjects and has been featured in several academic journals and bulletins, such as the Journal of Family Issues and Journal of Marriage and Families.

Monroe has filled the role of leader in nearly all facets of her career, serving as president of the National Council of Family Relations and later as a Fellow of the National Council on Family Relations in 2008.

In addition to her successes in research, Dr. Monroe facilitates prosperity in Louisiana by leading the Louisiana Poverty Initiative and state Family Impact Seminars and serving as vice-chair for the Louisiana Child Poverty Prevention Council.

Monroe’s current focus in research and community engagement is a multi-state project called “Turning the Tide on Poverty.” The project is designed to foster civic engagement on solutions to poverty in low-wealth rural communities.

About SSW

The LSU School of Social Work (SSW) aspires to be a leading graduate school of social work, a vibrant center of intellectual development, a leader in promoting and supporting diverse communities, and an advocate for an integrated and inclusive model of social work, all within a learning environment that supports best educational practices. The Child and Family Studies (CFS) undergraduate degree integrates theory, research, and practice to focus on child development and family dynamics.

Visit the School of Social Work at socialwork.lsu.edu

About CHSE

The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. The College is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Leadership and Human Resource Development, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Library and Information Science, the School of Social Work, and the University Laboratory School. These combined schools offer 8 undergraduate degree programs and 18 graduate programs, enrolling more than 1,900 undergraduate and 977 graduate students. The College is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and is continually working to improve its programs.

Visit the College of Human Sciences & Education at chse.lsu.edu.