Lailea Noel, Ph.D. received the 2025 Association of Oncology Social Work’s Quality of Life in Cancer Care Career Award, recognizing her significant contributions and dedication to quality-of-life care for cancer survivors.
The AOSW and the American Cancer Society established the award to recognize and honor individuals whose contributions, through education, research, publications and presentations, demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all cancer survivors.
Dr. Noel, who serves as assistant professor and the Meadows Foundation Fellow in Quality of Life in the Rural Environment at Texas Social Work, accepted the award on June 11 at AOSW’s annual conference in Atlanta. During the event, she gave a keynote address entitled “Where You Live Makes a Difference,” which highlighted how research is translated into sustainable cancer care.
“Building collaborative connections between communities, practitioners and academics is important to providing cancer care for all people regardless of where they live,” said Dr. Noel. “It’s an honor to be recognized with this accolade, but more importantly, it’s an honor to have the work of oncology social work research and practice celebrated and advanced.”
Dr. Noel has an extensive background in health administration, specifically in oncology and nonprofit management, and many of those years with the American Cancer Society. She has combined this experience with over ten years of research experience in oncology social work. Her research has been supported by two grants from the American Cancer Society, including a dissertation grant in oncology social work and a junior faculty award.
In addition to her roles at Texas Social Work, Dr. Noel is also an affiliate faculty member in the Department of Oncology and the Livestrong Cancer Institutes at Dell Medical School. She is a fellow and a former member of the board of directors of the AOSW, as well as a current member of the board of directors of the Association of Community Cancer Centers.
“This recognition is a milestone for Dr. Noel and her incredible contributions to the practice and academy of social work,” said Allan Cole, dean of Texas Social Work. “She is one of the most deserving scholars for this award, and I am proud to have her be recognized among our many star faculty members.”