University of Texas Permian Basin student Kira Thomas has been selected as the recipient of the Cathryn C. Smith Endowed Scholarship in Social Work.
“I am very honored to have been awarded the Cathryn C. Smith Endowed Scholarship,” stated Thomas. “Catherine Smith did so much amazing work all around Texas and I hope that I can make as much of an impact as she did.”
Kira Thomas said she chose to major in social work because she has always loved working with and helping people.
“I don't think that people understand the variety of jobs you can do with a social work degree. I think people view social workers as counselors and people who work with children, but in reality, there are many more jobs that social workers can have.”
Thomas’ current plans for after she graduates are to obtain a Master Degree in Social Work (MSW) and then work in education. When asked if COVID has changed her outlook on her Social Work career, Thomas shared that it has not changed what she wants to do for her career and then stated, “If anything, it has made me realize the importance of social workers during national crisis.”
Thomas is the daughter of Beth Curtis and Chris Thomas. Her home town is Truckee California. She made her way to West Texas as a diver on the UT Permian Basin Swim and Dive Team.
The Cathryn C. Smith Endowed Scholarship in Social Work is named for a Texas-based social worker who practiced social work throughout central Texas after obtaining a Master of Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin. She went on to serve as faculty at Our Lady of the Lake in San Antonio and became a prominent figure on many social service boards. Smith helped found the San Antonio Food Bank, serving on its first board.
The selected committee for the Cathryn C. Smith Endowed Scholarship in Social Work included:
Sam Terrazas, PhD, LCSW
Professor
Academic Chair
Linda Gayle Ellis, LCSW
Lecturer
Director of Field Education
Samantha Perales, LMSW
Lecturer
