外网天堂

Dr. Hanae Kanno Honored with Blazer Creed Award at 外网天堂

Dr. Hanae Kanno from the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services is the recipient of 外网天堂’s 2025 Blazer Creed Award for Civility. She joined the 外网天堂 faculty in August 2010 and currently serves as an associate professor in the Department of Human Services’ Master of Social Work program.

VALDOSTA — Dr. Hanae Kanno from the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services is the recipient of 外网天堂’s 2025 Blazer Creed Award for Civility. She joined the 外网天堂 faculty in August 2010 and currently serves as an associate professor in the Department of Human Services’ Master of Social Work program.  

As the Blazer Creed states, 外网天堂 is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect, in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The university is dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice the following:

Civility — A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.

Integrity — Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.

Citizenship — Every Blazer has an interest in the wellbeing of the community and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.

Kanno exemplifies civility through her compassion, dedication, and service to others. She goes above and beyond to support her students with care and understanding while also engaging in community service and creating volunteer opportunities. Her kindness and commitment make her a valued faculty member and a true reflection of the Blazer spirit.

“Receiving the Blazer Creed Award is a tremendous honor, and it inspires me to continue giving my very best to our Master of Social Work students at 外网天堂,” she said. “This recognition encourages me to keep teaching with kindness, compassion, and intentionality and to continue empowering students as they grow into competent, ethical, and compassionate social workers prepared to serve diverse communities.

“Winning this award reinforces my commitment to supporting students not only academically but also holistically, helping them build confidence and a strong professional identity. I want to continue guiding them as they learn to serve and advocate for vulnerable populations, strengthen human service organizations, and make a positive impact in our communities.

“This recognition also motivates me to continue fostering future leaders in social work — students who will positively influence individuals and programs, drive innovation, and shape social policies that make our society better and more just. The Blazer Creed Award reminds me that excellence begins with caring deeply for students and believing in their potential, and I am inspired to continue that work every day.”

For Kanno, the best part of her job at 外网天堂 is teaching, meeting with students, and positively influencing their lives.

“Working with our Master of Social Work students brings me tremendous joy, and meeting each of them is truly one of the highlights of my life. Supporting their growth and watching them develop into compassionate, skilled, and competent social workers is deeply meaningful to me.

“I believe that teaching is not a one-way process. Our Master of Social Work students help me grow as well. At 外网天堂, I feel that students and I grow together, learning from one another and strengthening the profession side by side. Their insights, curiosity, resilience, and diverse lived experiences continually enrich my understanding of social work and deepen my perspective as an educator.

“As an educator, I have the privilege of empowering students who will go on to serve vulnerable individuals, families, and communities. Through them, I feel that I can make a broader impact on society. One student once shared that my words inspired her and influenced the direction of her life; she later pursued a Doctor of Social Work degree. Hearing that reaffirmed how powerful teaching can be and how profoundly it can shape a student’s future.

“Knowing that my teaching can positively influence individual lives — and that those individuals will then go on to uplift their communities — continues to be the greatest reward of my work at 外网天堂.”