Francine E. Pratt Social Work Scholarship
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University’s Francine Esposito Pratt is all about helping other people.
An assistant professor and director of field education in the school’s social work program, she spent the last 12 years sharing that commitment with her students. To show their appreciation, they’ve created a scholarship in her honor.
The Student Social Work Association has donated $500 to kick off collections for the Francine Esposito Pratt Social Work Endowed Scholarship.
“I had no idea the Student Social Work Association would bestow such a wonderful legacy for me,” Pratt said. “I’ll be forever grateful to them because I know it will help our social work students long after I’m gone.”
Recently retired, Pratt was in charge of placing undergraduate students in agencies for their field internships, among other duties.
She took the reins of the fledgling social work program in 2005 with a dozen students on the Stephenville campus. For the 2016-17 academic year, she placed 55 students from Tarleton’s Stephenville campus and outreach centers in Fort Worth and Waco in agencies across North Texas.
The connection between Pratt and her students has established her as a touchstone, not only educationally, but also professionally.
“Ms. Pratt’s dedication to the profession of social work and enhancing the knowledge of her students has always been reflected in her teachings and community involvement,” said Tarleton alumna Jennifer Todd, class of 2013.
Another former social work student said the lessons she learned in the program come to mind on an almost daily basis.
“I think of Ms. Pratt just about every day when I do a treatment plan as part of my job,” said Michelle Gray, who graduated in 2012. “For some reason when it gets to the goals, objectives and the interventions…she pops into my mind.”
Pratt received the Barry B. Thompson Service Award for 2011-12 and the May Jones Advisor of the Year Award in 2011 as mentor for the Student Social Work Association.
The new scholarship, once fully funded, will be awarded to a full-time student in the social work program. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to undergraduate students.
“Ms. Pratt has done what all great professors do—prepare their students, ignite their passions and touch their lives,” said Melanie (Barnes) Cox, a 2014 social work graduate. “Now, even in retirement, she’ll continue to do those things.”
To give to the Francine Esposito Pratt Social Work Endowed Scholarship, mail a check noting the scholarship name to: Tarleton State University, Advancement Services, Box T0260, Stephenville, TX 76402. Or, donate online at http://www.tarleton.edu/prattscholarship.
Tarleton, celebrating 100 years as founding member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow’s professional leaders. As a member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) with campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of tradition, integrity, civility, leadership, excellence and service.
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Contact: Phil Riddle, News & Information Specialist.
817-484-4415
[email protected]
