The National Association of Social Workers North Carolina Chapter (NASW-NC) has named Elizabeth (Beth) Vogler, MSW, Ph.D., the 2020 Social Worker of the Year. Dr. Vogler is professor of social work and chair of the department of social work at Mars Hill University.
The NASW-NC Social Worker of the Year Award is an annual award given to a social work professional who has demonstrated commendable social work practice and involvement with NASW and other professional, civic, and community organizations.
“I am humbled and honored by this recognition from NASW-NC,” said Dr. Vogler. “Social workers are the best! So many social workers deserve this recognition—know that I honor you.”
Dr. Vogler has over 30 years of experience in the field, with most of that time spent at Mars Hill University (MHU). While at MHU, Dr. Vogler has taught courses on Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Social Welfare Policy, Death and Dying, Social Work Practice, and Field Seminars. Further, she has served as the Social Work Program Director for over 10 years and was the Field Director prior to taking on that role. Dr. Vogler also spent five years as the Dean of the Division of Professional Programs. Dr. Vogler has extensive research experience in areas including social work education, death, dying, bereavement, gerontology, case management, and community development.
Beyond her teaching and leadership roles within the university, Dr. Vogler’s passion for serving those in her community is clear through her many years of community service. Dr. Vogler is currently on the Board for The Mediation Center in Asheville, and for many years was involved in the development of the Asheville Buncombe Institute of Parity Achievement. There, she served on the Board and served as Secretary. She also served as the Chair of the United Way Board of Madison County. Additionally, Dr. Vogler was instrumental in restarting the North Carolina Council on Social Work Education and is currently serving as the Chair.
Throughout her celebrated career, Dr. Vogler has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the G. McLeod Bryan Award for Community Engagement, the Appalachian College Association Ritchie/Dykeman Fellowship, the Snow Faculty Caring Award, and the Robert S. Gibbs Outstanding Teacher Award.
Dr. Vogler has been involved with NASW-NC for 26 years. She is a founding member of the NASW-NC Asheville Local Program Unit (LPU) for social workers and currently serves as the Chair. Additionally, Dr. Vogler has served as a Western Representative to the NASW-NC Board of Directors and is on the Toby Brown Scholarship Committee.
“We are fortunate to have such remarkable Chapter staff working on our behalf,” said Dr. Vogler, “and I am privileged to work with our professional organization on the local level.”
TJ Stiers, LCSW and Vice Chair of the Asheville LPU, says about Dr. Vogler, “She brings out the best in all of us lucky enough to know her and work with her. She is well known and well respected in our community and is a wonderful ambassador for social work.”
Dr. Vogler will be honored as Social Worker of the Year at the 2020 NASW-NC Ethics Conference and Awards Luncheon on Friday, March 20th, 2020 at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh, NC.
The National Association of Social Workers North Carolina Chapter (NASW-NC) is a membership organization that promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW-NC also seeks to enhance the effective functioning and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities through its work and advocacy.
