Dr. Phyllis Scott, dean of Barry University’s School of Social Work, was honored with the Community Pillar award by the Heritage Planning Committee of the Black Affairs Advisory Board of Miami-Dade County. Scott received her award during the organization’s annual Pillars Awards and scholarship presentation in downtown Miami.
Seven honorees were selected as 2018 Community Pillars for their support of programs or businesses which positively impact the community and for demonstrating a deep commitment to public service. The committee also noted most of the honorees had toiled tirelessly without fanfare for years in their chosen passion.
“I am honored by this recognition, but this award really recognizes the faculty, administrators, and staff of the School of Social Work who embrace and shared my vision. As a School of Social Work our teaching is founded on a basic but profound theme: to learn, reflect and serve. Thus, we must be an example and allow the walls of the classroom that harness our teaching to dissolve by bringing service to the community,” Scott said. “We must live out our mission and the mission of the University, and as we seek truth we must do the work that promotes human rights and social justice.”
Scott stressed the importance of community service, noting that it bridges the gap between oppression and opportunity, isolation and collaboration, and gives voice to the need for change. She credits the School of Social Work’s faculty, administrators and staff for being engaged in community service, as it can change the lives of all those involved.
“Each time we engage in the community, we witness the transformational shift on the faces of the elderly, troubled youth, homeless teenagers, children and families that live in marginalized communities, and the professional community that is thirsty for advanced contemporary practice skills and knowledge.” Scott said. “This assures us that, as an institution of higher learning, we also have a higher calling and we can and should live out our mission by helping to build better communities.”