Cobb earns statewide social work award
Niki Cobb’s impact at East Carolina University and in the community was recognized with a statewide award from the National Association of Social Workers-North Carolina Chapter.
The NASW-NC named Cobb as the Toby Brown Award winner for Bachelor of Social Work undergraduate students for the 2024-25 academic year. The chapter states this award recognizes a BSW student in North Carolina who best reflects and represents the ethics, values and passion in the field of social work through exemplary performance in social work coursework, field placement, student social work associations and community organizations.
Tanikia “Niki” Cobb wearing an ECU shirt.
Cobb, a U.S. Army veteran who also was the first student to earn the Caswell Center Foundation Scholarship in Social Work at ECU, interned at the Beaufort County Department of Social Services in the Adult Protective Services division. She conducted assessments, advanced service plans and served as an advocate for clients, while working in the community alternatives program for adults living with a disability, guardianship, special assistance and special assistance in-home programs.
“I witnessed firsthand how systemic barriers can prevent individuals from accessing the care they need,” Cobb said in a news release by NASW-NC. “These experiences have motivated me to learn more about policy reform and ways to bridge the gaps in service delivery for marginalized communities.”
Cobb also has served as treasurer of the Bachelor of Social Work Student Association, ECU College of Health and Human Performance student ambassador and as a chaperone for the ECU Air Force JROTC Cadet Academy. She plans to pursue her Master of Social Work degree at ECU, while hoping to “refine my research skills to better understand the challenges faced by veterans and contribute to evidence-based solutions that improve their quality of life. Furthermore, I am particularly interested in learning more about mental health interventions and strategies to support individuals coping with PTSD, substance use disorders and other challenges that disproportionately affect veterans.”
LaTonya Gaskins, director of field education, described Cobb as an emerging leader in the field.
“What sets Niki apart is her ability to connect with people, advocate effectively and continuously seek opportunities for growth,” Gaskins said. “Her resilience, adaptability and unwavering demonstration of empowerment align seamlessly with the values of the NASW-NC Toby Brown Award. She is not only a promising social worker, but also an emerging leader in the field.”
The National Association of Social Workers North Carolina Chapter (NASW-NC) is a membership organization of professional social workers with over 4,800 members in North Carolina. NASW promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW-NC also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.