School of Social Work Director Receives Alumni Award from Alma Mater

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Yvette Murphy-Erby

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Yvette Murphy-Erby, director of the School of Social Work in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, has been selected to receive the 2013 Health and Human Sciences Pacesetter Award. The award is granted by the University of North Carolina, Greensboro Department of Human Development and Family Studies, where she eared a doctorate in 2004

The Pacesetter Award is given each year to one outstanding alumnus from each department and program in the UNC Greensboro School of Health and Human Sciences. Recipients are chosen based on attaining local, state or regional recognition through their achievements in scholarship, leadership or service during their career or through civic involvement. The award will be presented during a ceremony at the UNC Greensboro campus Saturday, April 13.

Murphy-Erby’s many awards include the University of Arkansas Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education’s first Outstanding Faculty Award. She was chosen by the organization for her advocacy and mentorship of students with diverse backgrounds.

One of her civic contributions is The Circle of Support, which she co-founded in 2011. The group was created to foster support and cohesiveness among African American students in the School of Social Work. Members of the Circle of Support mentor, educate and support the students and enhance professional development, conduct community service and promote retention.

Before joining the University of Arkansas faculty in 2004, Murphy-Erby had almost 20 years of social work experience, focused primarily on child welfare issues. Prior to her appointment as the director of the School of Social Work in 2011, she served as the school’s associate director and director of the bachelor in social work program.