UB MSW student wins prestigious NASW Foundation scholarship

Adam Fryer, a student in the School of Social Work’s online MSW program, has been awarded the Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Foundation.

Awarded to just six master’s students nationwide each year, the scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate interest in or experience with health or mental health practice and a commitment to working in African American communities.

Fryer holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UB and will compete his Master of Social Work this summer.

“I’m still in disbelief,” he says of the award. “I will be the first generation in my family to get a master’s, so it means a lot just to be in this program. This award really validates all the work I’m doing.”

Keith A. Alford, dean of the School of Social Work, commended Fryer, saying: “Congratulations, Adam, on this incredible recognition. We are all quite proud of you. I look forward to following your success and seeing the positive impact you will continue to make in society and at the local level.”

After commencement, Fryer plans to pursue licensure as a clinical social worker. Someday, he hopes to have his own practice so that he can provide mental health services and reduce barriers to access for people of color within his community.

For now, Fryer is based in Bellingham, Washington, where he’s starting his advanced year field placement at the Lake Whatcom Residential and Treatment Center. In addition, he is a case worker for Whatcom County’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program. LEAD helps individuals with behavioral health issues who commit low-level violations to improve their lives and avoid the criminal justice system.

“The knowledge I’ve gained and the experiences I’ve had in the MSW program have changed me completely,” Fryer says. “Going into the master’s program, I thought about human services in the same way that an engineer might think about their work. Now, I understand it’s more flexible and realize how much of yourself you put into this work — and how important it is to take care of yourself, too.”