Dr. Rosalie Smiley, Ph.D., M.P.H., L.S.W., has been honored with the prestigious S.W.A.G Award for her outstanding contributions to the field of social work.  

The Social Worker Appreciation of Greatness award ceremony, set to take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, celebrates social workers who embody servant leadership through advocacy, social justice, generational healing, and community empowerment. 

Smiley has dedicated over 40 years to the social work profession, beginning her academic career in 1999 as an associate professor at PennWest University and earning the distinguished 2019 Presidential Merit Award.  

Her career as a social worker started in 1982 as the director of social services at Shuman Juvenile Detention Center, followed by directing the Abraxas Center for Adolescent Females until 1993. In 2001, she became the Director of Family Resources at the Beverly Jewel Wall Lovelace Children’s Program, significantly impacting families in Allegheny County. 

A trauma specialist and certified trainer, Smiley is known for her presentations at conferences, mentorship of professionals, and active involvement with the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), NASW, and Homewood Church of Christ. She draws inspiration from her late sister, Dr. Margaret Smith, Ph.D., M.P.H., L.S.W., who was an associate professor at PennWest Edinboro. 

Former student Ashley Potts shared her admiration: "I went through the M.S.W. program in 2017, part-time for three years, and I remember always looking up to her, Dr. Pham, and a few other professors who really stood out to me. I really wanted to obtain the social work knowledge they had, their compassion, empathy, and advocacy. They really inspired me to become a teacher, which I now do part time." 

Potts, who is vice president of operations at Wayspring, continued, "I am still able to reach out to her to this day. She is still supportive, a huge advocate, and has done wonderful things for the social work community. She played a monumental role in how I became the professional I am today. This award is very well deserved for her impact." 

Learn more about the PennWest Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work.