Ashley Garner, senior social work major at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, has been honored with this year’s deSERVING Ranger Award from the Service-Learning and Civic Engagement (SL/CE) program.
Kaylyn Hansen, director of assessment and institutional effectiveness who also leads the service-learning and civic engagement program, said each spring the award recognizes an outstanding Northwestern student who demonstrates the following :
- Dedication to service and a sense of responsibility to the Northwestern service-learning and civic engagement vision
- Serves as a community service model for other students
- Exceptional leadership and organizational skills and
- Consistent work ethic and availability
The Perkins native has completed more than 100 service hours in volunteer opportunities including the Compassion in Action Dignity Drive, Primp for Prom, Campus Cabinet Food Drive, Kindness Day, Garfield County Child Advocacy Center Wooden Children Project and the Northwestern Baseball and Apple Pie event.
“Ashley embodies ‘service’ and helps above her self-interest on a daily basis,” Dr. Kylene Rehder, professor of social work and chair of the department of social work, said. “She is an excellent role model and exemplifies servant leadership.”
Garner has served as the president of Northwestern’s Social Workers of Tomorrow (SWAT) chapter since the 2022 fall semester, and serves on the Social Work Advisory Board.
“Receiving the deSERVING Ranger Award for civic engagement is a truly humbling honor,” Garner said. “I am deeply grateful to be recognized for my contributions to our communities. I am blessed with an amazing family to support me, a cohort at Northwestern that believes, as I do, and mentors in our department who guided me greatly along this journey.”
Codi Harding, SWAT sponsor and assistant professor of social work, said Garner transformed the social work student organization as a member and now as president.
“She is always willing to help fellow students and the community succeed,” Harding said. “She serves as a great role model for servant leadership.”
Both Harding and Rehder emphasized that Garner served an instrumental role in the success of all their service-learning projects.
“Ashley has demonstrated commitment and leadership to the university through service learning since she arrived on campus,” Rehder said. “She volunteers her time to help anyone in need and has transformed the student organization SWAT.”
Garner is encouraged to see what the future holds.
“I believe that together, we can continue to make meaningful strides towards a brighter future for all,” Garner said. “Thank you for the inspiration to keep striving for positive change. “
The deSERVING Ranger Award is awarded once a year to a qualified Northwestern student. The student is nominated by a Northwestern faculty or staff member. The award started in 2015 and has been awarded to students from a variety of majors.
To learn more about Northwestern’s Department of Social Work, visit www.www.nwosu.edu/school-of-arts-and-sciences/social-work or contact Harding at clharding@nwosu.edu or (580) 213-3148.
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CONTACT FOR RELEASE:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
sjdoherty@nwosu.edu | 580-327-8480