By Gerard Flanagan, news writer/photographer/social media, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Dr. Benji Kelly, vice president for development, presented Dr. Michelle Tucker, associate dean and professor of social work/Master of Social Work Director, with this year’s Distinguished Professor Award—the highest award given to a faculty member.
The award was established in 1992.
Dr. Donna Hedgepath, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said Tucker demonstrates “the intelligence, leadership skills, expertise and decision-making skills to successfully lead the Carver School [of Social Work].”
“Under her direction, the Master of Social Work program has grown to an enrollment that averages over 500 students,” Hedgepath said. “She has demonstrated exceptional leadership skill, and she has handled a plethora of issues and challenges that have accompanied this phenomenal growth.
“While balancing the best issues of the students and the best interests of the program, Dr. Tucker has diligently worked to successfully resolve each of these challenges. She leads with an eye to detail and a desire for all faculty and students to succeed.”
Tucker, a 1989 graduate of Taylor County High School, has worked at Campbellsville University since August 2008.
“It took me 10 years to get my undergraduate degree,” Tucker said. “It was a long, arduous journey for me. I struggled to find where I was supposed to be and ended up coming to Campbellsville…To those of you that are struggling, He brought you here, and I’m the poster child that, at Campbellsville, you will find your calling. He will never forsake you and forget you. He will take you where you’re supposed to be.”
Tucker graduated from Campbellsville University in 1998 with a Bachelor’s in Social Work. She earned her Master’s in Social Work in 2004 from the University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work. She also earned her Ph.D. in Social Work from U of L’s Kent School of Social Work.
Tucker is married to Frank Tucker. They have two children: Joshua and Sydney. Tucker is the daughter of Mike and Kathy Ramsey of Campbellsville.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 12,500 students offering over 100 programs of study including Ph.D., master, baccalaureate, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.