2025-26 Mignot Awards granted to Améa Chandler, Jerilyn Smith

The 2025-26 Mignot Awards are granted to Améa Chandler and Jerilyn Smith for their outstanding dedication and commitment to students in the Bachelor of Social Work Program. 

In her work as BSW Retention Coordinator, Chandler helps undergraduate students stay on track to graduate. Chandler has worked with students in different capacities for over 15 years and is passionate about helping students navigate their academic journey. As a colleague wrote: “What makes Amea Chandler so exceptional is the way she approaches every interaction — with patience, professionalism, empathy, and genuine commitment. Whether helping a student navigate a challenge, supporting colleagues behind the scenes, or simply offering encouragement at the right moment, Amea consistently goes above and beyond." 

One student nominator wrote: "Amèa has been this constant support for me within our department who believed in me when there was no evidence around me to support that belief. What she brings as a person enriches our department in significant ways. I love to see people who just love doing their job, she loves what she does and it makes all the difference. She is a delight!"

Smith brings over 25 years of social work and child welfare experience to the classroom. She has shared her commitment to the social work profession by educating future social workers in the School of Social Welfare for the past five years. As an adjunct instructor, Smith teaches core courses where students learn intervention strategies and how to evaluate approaches, how to connect with clients, and how to assess the needs and strengths of communities. She makes the well-being and success of her students a top priority, celebrating their successes and creating a learning environment where students can grow. 

As one student said: “Jerilyn took the time to get to know each of her students and made our classroom environment a comfortable and engaging space for everyone.”

The Mignot Award was initiated in 2006 by the officers in the BSW student group. These students felt that beyond the faculty at the School, there were, and continue to be, many talented and dedicated individuals who have a significant impact on their BSW education.