Ashland University Graduate Named Ohio BSW Student of the Year

8/8/12 ASHLAND, Ohio – Seville resident Samantha Kauf, a 2012 graduate of Ashland University with a degree in social work, has been awarded the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Bachelors of Social Work student of the year award for the Ohio chapter.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world with 145,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.

Dr. Nancy Udolph, professor of social work and chair of the social work department, recommended Kauf for this award and believes she is most deserving of the award because of her skills and passion for social work.

“Samantha is a principled person with sound values. She is committed to helping disadvantaged populations and she puts her value of social and economic justice into practice in everything she does. Samantha is trustworthy, reliable and others seek her out for support,” Udolph said. “She obviously excels in her leadership skills. She relates well with others and demonstrates a high level of empathy and insight. Samantha is an excellent problem-solver and leads by example.”

Kauf is 2009 graduate of Cloverleaf High School, and is the daughter of David and Jane Kauf of Seville.

Ashland University, ranked in the top 200 colleges and universities in U.S. News and World Report’s National Universities category for 2012, is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.