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Center for Family and Community Engagement

Center Awards and Recognitions, 2016-2017

belltower in blue sky

Award for Excellence

Marcella Middleton, our youth partner trainer, won the University’s Award for Excellence  at the college level. Nominees for these awards demonstrate excellence in their work for the university or in their communities. Marcella epitomizes this excellence, having been nominated for both her exceptional skills as a center trainer as well as her invaluable advocacy work with North Carolina foster youth. Of Marcella, center Director Joan Pennell said:

Left to Right: Betty Byrum, Marcella Middleton, Chancellor Randy Woodson

“The combination of her personal experience and educational background in social work offer credibility to training audiences. Her ability to blend these two roles is part of what makes her impact on professional and community members so powerful…Marcella is a creative, compassionate, and savvy team member who represents so well our center and the university in the community.”

Living the Legacy Award 

Marcella Middleton, our youth partner trainer, was awarded WRAL’s Living The Legacy award for 2016. She appeared on WRAL news on Friday, February 26 at 5:55 pm and on FOX 50 at 10:55 pm. She spoke about her journey and commitment to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

The Gary Ander Making a Difference Award for Family-Driven Care

Center Director Dr. Joan Pennell received the 2016 Gary Ander Making A Difference Award for Family-Driven Care. This annual award is given to a North Carolina family member, agency staff, or state leader who exemplifies supporting and recognizing the importance of family voice in a Family-Driven System of Care environment as part of the annual System of Care State Conference.