Tuskegee University
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Social Work
2023 Helping Hearts and Hand Award
For teaching and mentoring of students that has resulted in many students success as child welfare workers and sparked their interest in community service to child welfare agencies, this award has been given to:
DeKara Daniel, BSW, LMSW
DeKara Daniel, BSW, LMSW, is a Licensed Social Worker and Adjunct Instructor of Social Work at Tuskegee University. Ms. Daniel instructs the Social Work elective courses: Child Welfare, Patterns of Drug Abuse, Rural Social Work, and Independent Study. The Adolescent SBI simulation is implemented into the Patterns of Drug Abuse course allowing students the opportunity to learn evidence-based techniques and experience real-life intervention with patients. Students are able to learn and utilize motivational interviewing techniques and prevention methods to support patient behavior change. The Adolescent SBI simulation permits students the opportunity to learn specific assessment tools and motivational interviewing techniques. Ms. Daniel received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Tuskegee University and her Master’s in Social Work from The University of Alabama. Prior to her position at Tuskegee University, Ms. Daniel was a Senior Social Worker with Lee County Department of Human Resources (Child Protective Services), where she was responsible for the assessment, investigation, and intervention regarding cases of child abuse and neglect, including sexual abuse. Ms. Daniel also has a background in military social work and information and library services. Ms. Daniel strongly believes her ultimate purpose is to empower students to reach their aspirations and full potential. Ms. Daniel is committed to fostering student success and supporting students as they transform throughout their college experience. In keeping with social work values and ethics, Ms. Daniel is committed to lifelong learning and professional development to maintain competence in an ever-evolving field.