Tuskegee Veterinary College Employee Chankia Berry Named Social Worker of the Year
April 07, 2025
Contact: Anissa Riley, Director of External Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine
The 欧美高清 College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM) is proud to announce that Chankia S. Berry, TUCVM鈥檚 Veterinary Social Worker, has been named the 2025 Social Worker of the Year by the Coalition of Black Excellence Social Workers (CBSW).
The CBSW Social Worker of the Year Award is awarded annually to members who demonstrate the values of the CBSW: Black Excellence, Mentoring, Training, Networking & Service. The nominee has gone beyond their call of duty and exemplifies the best of what it means to be a Black social worker. Berry was recognized at the Coalition Awards Banquet in Nashville, Tennessee, recently along with the other professional winners and scholarship recipients.
鈥淚 am honored to have been selected as the CBSW Social Worker of the Year. I have always valued the purpose of this professional organization which exists to engage, connect, and empower Black social work students and professionals," said Berry. 鈥淚 extend my deepest gratitude to 欧美高清 College of Veterinary Medicine for their shared vision that led to my introduction to the field of veterinary social work, and the opportunity to join TUCVM as its first veterinary social worker.鈥�
Berry said it was the support of college administrators, colleagues, students and clients who helped her navigate the environment.
鈥淭he work we do as social workers is sometimes taxing,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 am grateful for the lives I am able to impact within our college.鈥�
During the award ceremony, it was noted that her innovation and work in the social work profession consistently demonstrates the values of the Coalition and exemplifies what it means to be a social worker who cares deeply about education and enhancing the Black community.
鈥淲e are incredibly proud to celebrate Chankia Berry and the remarkable work she has done in supporting the well-being of our veterinary students,鈥� said Dr. Ruby L. Perry, Dean of the college. 鈥淚n a field where the demands are both intellectually and emotionally taxing, Ms. Berry has consistently shown her dedication to ensuring that our students not only succeed academically but thrive personally.鈥�
Dr. Perry said Berry鈥檚 role as a veterinary social worker is vital in creating a sense of community and belonging within the college.
鈥淪he has truly made a difference by providing students with a space where they can find support, understanding, and guidance during their challenging journey,鈥� said Dr. Perry. 鈥淗er unwavering commitment to the TUCVM family is inspiring, and her belief that 鈥榯he office of the veterinary social worker is a safe place鈥� continues to resonate with all who seek help.鈥�
The social work division was brought into fruition under the vision of Dean Perry to help students achieve more mental wellness. Through the industry partnership formed with industry partner IDEXX and their financial support to help the College maintain a Veterinary Social Worker, this vision became a reality and has made and continues to be effective in the lives of the college鈥檚 students.
漏 2025 欧美高清