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Alumni briefs

Phyllis Grimes Bennett, MSW ’05, has two new books published under the pen name Bunny Bennett. The first is Grow Like a Sunflower: Helping Children Understand Grief. As a social worker in the field of grief and bereavement, Bennett is amazed by the wisdom and insight children possess. It is her hope that this book will uplift and encourage children as they process their grief and loss. The second book is God Thinks I’m Beautiful, which is written from a Christian perspective, as well as a social work perspective to help adolescents and women turn away from cultural definitions of beauty.

Bobby Cagle, MSW ’98, was recently honored by the Georgia Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers at its annual conference with a 2015 Distinguished Public Sector Social Work Award. Also, for the second consecutive year, he was also named as a 2016 Notable Georgian by Georgia Trend Magazine along with 49 others state leaders from business, education, philanthropy, politics, and government. Cagle is a member of the School of Social Work’s Board of Advisors.

Dana Courtney, MSW ’74, is the recipient of the 2016 Myrna Miller Wellons Advocacy Award from the National Association of Social Workers-North Carolina Chapter. “A regular at the North Carolina General Assembly, Dana epitomizes social work advocacy by frequently talking to legislators about women’s rights, voting rights, racial equality, and support for the social work profession,” states NASW-NC in their announcement. Courtney is also a member of the School of Social Work’s Board of Advisors.

Ariana Postlethwait, Ph.D. ’05, was promoted and awarded tenure as an associate professor in the Department of Social Work, College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, at Middle Tennessee State University.

Karen Randolph, Ph.D. ’98, a professor in the Florida State University College of Social Work, was named a member of the 2016 class of fellows of the Society for Social Work and Research.

Recently, School of Social Work Board of Advisors member Alice Washington hosted a gathering at her home in Atlanta for local alumni and friends of the School. Pictured, from left are: Bobby Cagle, MSW ’98; Dean Jack Richman; Alice Washington, UNC J.D. ’84, Tiffany Washington, Ph.D. ’13; William Dunn, UNC ’69; Associate Dean for Advancement Jackie Pierce; (front) Board of Advisors member Ellen Barnard, UNC ’88.