Dr. Sharon Shaw-McEwen, a former professor in the Department of Social Work at MTSU, is one of the 28 nominees for the 2012 Nashville ATHENA Award.

Shaw-McEwen, who retired from MTSU at the end of the fall 2011 semester, is president and chief executive officer of the Centers for Family Life, a nonprofit organization that provides in-kind professional social services such as family counseling, education and prevention. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Pi Nu Omega chapter, sponsored her nomination.

Dr. Sharon Shaw-McEwen

A native of Humboldt, Tenn., Shaw-McEwen has served as an expert consultant for the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention in Washington, D.C., and provides technical assistance to substance abuse, mental health and educational programs that serve African-American families and children.

Shaw-McEwen holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Bradley University, a master’s degree in social work from the University of Tennessee-Nashville and a doctorate in education from Vanderbilt University with a focus in administrative leadership and human resource development.

In 2001, MTSU presented her with both the John Pleas Distinguished Faculty Award and the Ebony Achievement Faculty Award.

The ATHENA Award and Scholarship Program has honored outstanding Nashville women “for their skills in business, leadership and service to their community” since 1991, since 1991, according to the group’s web page at www.nashvillecable.org.

The statuette will be presented at a gala event scheduled for March 26 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville.

— Gina K. Logue (Gina.Logue@mtsu.edu)