Eden Blesener, senior academic program coordinator for practicum education, was recognized as a 2025 President’s Outstanding Staff and Supervisor Award (OSSA) recipient. The award honors and recognizes the invaluable contributions of staff and supervisors who have had a significant impact on the university. Eden was selected as one of 30 Outstanding Staff Award recipients selected from a field of 249 nominations.
“I am honored to receive this award and sincerely grateful for the recognition of my dedication to our students and community partners,” said Blesener. “I’m so appreciative of the incredible Practicum Education and Academic Affairs teams, whose support uplifts both students and colleagues through challenging times. I am proud to be part of the vital work of preparing future social workers to uphold our shared mission of creating positive change.”
She is the third staff member from Texas Social Work in the last five years to be honored with this recognition, joining James Green (2023) and Andrea Montgomery (2022).
“Eden is an outstanding recipient of the President’s Outstanding Staff Award,” said Mary Beer, assistant dean for practicum education. “She goes above and beyond her job to ensure that students, faculty, and practicum instructors are always seen and heard. She has helped to develop the practicum department with new ideas, fresh perspectives, and organization of processes. She oversees placements for more than 300 students each year, co-chairs the Community Partnership Development Committee, and organizes all professional development trainings for community partners. I am thrilled that Eden has been selected for this award. We couldn’t do it without her!”