Congratulations are in order for the West Virginia University Division of Social Work’s Chatman Neely, who won the prestigious Social Worker of the Year Award at the recent National Association of Social Workers West Virginia Chapter (NASWWV) spring conference in Charleston.

“Truly, it was one of the most touching moments of life,” Neely said. “I come from a proud and strong-willed Appalachian family that gives to others as much as possible. It’s in my blood to give back and care about others.

“I felt honored, a little overwhelmed, and surprised.”

Neely enjoyed the distinct pleasure of receiving the award from his friends and fellow Division professors, Jacki Englehardt and Linda Ferrise, both of whom applauded Neely’s practice experience, as well as his dynamism in the classroom.

Neely’s acceptance speech was heartfelt, humble tribute to the friends, family, and colleagues who have helped him help others throughout his impressive career.

Neely is a senior lecturer and off-campus MSW coordinator for the Division’s Wheeling campus. He has been involved with WVU since 1986 but has been teaching social work for 17 years. He is also an MSW alumnus of the Division. Neely teaches all over the state every academic year, an experience he views as “a gift.” He has volunteered on NASW’s spring conference planning committee for over 20 years, bringing together educators, practitioners, and students from all over the state. Neely is currently completing his PhD in Clinical Social Work at the Institute for Clinical Social Work in Chicago.