Buies Creek, N.C.–Elsa Sears, of Coats, N.C. received the Campbell University School of Education Outstanding Alumna award at a commissioning ceremony held Friday, Feb. 26.
Sears graduated magna cum laude from Campbell in 1994 with a degree in social work, while working full time in Campbell’s Accounting Department and caring for her children and ailing husband. She went on to obtain a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Campbell in 1999.
According to Dr. Karen Nery, dean of the School of Education, Sears’ professional life has been richly challenging. She has worked as executive director of Sexual Assault and Family Emergency (SAFE) of Harnett County and as a social worker in Child Protective Services and Foster Care with the Harnett County Department of Social Services. She is currently employed as a social worker with the Harnett County School System.
Active in her community, Sears has served as a member of the Campbell University National Alumni Board of Directors and was president of the Friends of the School of Education, of which she is an honorary Life Member. She currently serves on the Social Work Advisory Board. She is also a member of the national honor societies Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa and Epsilon Pi Eta.
She has two children and two grandchildren.
Photo Copy: Elsa Sears, a social worker with the Harnett County School System, received the Outstanding Alumna award from Campbell University’s School of Education. (Photo by Bennett Scarborough)