The Pennsylvania chapter of the National Association of Social Workers named Rina Keller the Social Work Educator of the Year at the organization’s annual Keystone Award ceremony on October 13.

Criteria for the award include achievements in program development, student development, advocacy, and administration.

From 2015 to 2023, Keller was a professor of social work and director of field placement for the major. She taught a variety of 100-400 level undergraduate courses and developed and managed all aspects of the practicum program.

In her nomination for Keller, Dr. Julie Lanzillo wrote that “Rina provides individualized advising to each one of her students, ensuring that they not only receive the specialized attention they need, but that she is role modeling relationships that her social work students may have with their future clients.”

Regarding the success of Keller’s students, Lanzillo added: “The social work program has a 100% placement rate of graduates attending graduate school, getting a job, or participating in a year of service, and much of that credit belongs to Rina for the time spent working with each student to develop and implement their post-grad goals.”

On campus, Keller is known for her work with the Knights’ Pantry, which she co-founded to provide free food and resources to students who are struggling to meet basic needs. Securing partnerships, regular donations, a $25,000 endowment, and a $20,000 grant from the state, Keller has solidified an ongoing university commitment to the pantry. 

“I am honored to be recognized by the National Association of Social Workers – Pennsylvania Chapter with the 2024 Social Work Educator of the Year Award,” said Keller. “This acknowledgment is a meaningful tribute to my career in social work education at Neumann University and marks an exciting transition into my new chapter in business education at NU.

“I look forward to continuing my work in teaching, leadership, and advocacy, always through the lens of social work. I am especially grateful to my students, who inspired the development of the BSW program, and to the administrators and colleagues who supported my efforts and embraced my vision.”

During her time in the social work program, Keller also served as president of Faculty Senate, founded the Civic Engagement Committee, and participated in the Sustainability Council and DEI Council.

In 2024, with the sunsetting of the social work program in place, Keller shifted to the School of Business and became director of the MS in Business and Organizational Leadership program.