Werner receives two distinguished AU awards

Vicky Santos | 5/24/2021

Maybe she doesn't sleep. Or maybe she found a way to sneak a few extra hours into a standard 24-hour day. Whatever her secret is, Danilea Werner isn't telling. She probably wouldn't have time to tell us, even if she wanted to.

These past few months, while so many of us have complained about pandemic fatigue, Werner was busy working with the Auburn University Medical Clinic and the Harrison School of Pharmacy to help distribute vaccinations. She is an associate professor of social work and Master of Social Work (MSW) program director who was instrumental in the MSW program becoming accredited. Since the MSW's implementation in 2016, Werner has developed, and maintained, personal and professional relationships with each of the MSW students. She recently organized the MSW pinning ceremony for their graduation and was back on campus a few days later to host a new student orientation. She works (tirelessly, it seems) with the BraveHearts program, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year for developmentally disabled young adults. She also took part in a recent Auburn Experts piece on vaccinations. In addition to all her professional roles and responsibilities, Werner is a parent. She and her husband have two children, both under the age of 10.

Did I mention that she's been doing all of this with a broken foot?

Perhaps it's no surprise, then, that Werner has recently received two prestigious recognitions from Auburn. She is the recipient of the Outstanding AU Colleague award for 2020 from the Harrison School of Pharmacy (HSOP) and the SGA Outstanding Faculty Award.

The Outstanding AU Colleague Award is given to an employee at Auburn in recognition of outstanding collaboration or support.

"The collaboration we have observed among Auburn’s health professions programs over the past year has truly been outstanding, and I want to formally thank Dr. Werner for her leadership in these efforts," HSOP Dean Richard Hanson said.

The SGA Outstanding Faculty Award is presented to one faculty member who is selected by the School’s or College’s student leadership. Faculty are chosen for their respect for peers and students, excellence in teaching, concern and availability for students, and exemplary involvement inside and outside the classroom.

"Dr. Werner is incredibly deserving of these awards. She is an outstanding faculty member and colleague, and we are so fortunate to have her here," College of Liberal Arts Dean Joseph Aistrup said.

Werner has also worked in disaster preparedness, public health education and as a clinical therapist. Werner's research interests include health and wellness issues with older adults and adolescents, and mental health disaster preparedness. Before joining the faculty at Auburn University, she worked as the National Health Director for The OASIS Institute and as an assistant clinical professor at St. Louis University.

"I am humbled and honored at being recognized for both awards. As a social worker, it is second nature to jump in and help where needed. I am forever grateful to Auburn, the College of Liberal Arts and the Social Work Program for providing a space for me to turn my passion into action," Werner said.

For more about Werner, visit: https://www.cla.auburn.edu/sociology/people/danilea-werner/