North Wake News

Dr. Angela Lamson from East Carolina University has been named the recipient of the 2024 Governor James E. Holshouser, Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service. The award is presented by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors to faculty members who demonstrate a strong commitment to service and community engagement.

Lamson, a first-generation college graduate, joined ECU in 1999 and holds the position of Nancy W. Darden Distinguished Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science. She was instrumental in creating the world's first medical family therapy doctoral program, which integrates behavioral and mental health services into primary care settings. Her partnership with Contentnea Health has resulted in training 165 students and facilitating over 126,000 patient visits for uninsured or underinsured residents in eastern North Carolina.

In November, Lamson's program received national recognition with the C. Peter Magrath Community Engagement Scholarship Award from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities for addressing suicide and unmet behavioral health needs among rural North Carolina families.

A U.S. Department of Defense grant enabled Lamson to develop an integrated care program focused on studying physical health, behavioral health, and social needs of service members and their spouses. This initiative helped establish competencies for family therapists working with military populations, reaching 1,300 healthcare providers monthly through a newsletter distributed by Lamson and her students.

“ECU has prioritized community engaged service since its doors opened in 1907," stated ECU Chancellor Philip Rogers. "Dr. Lamson is among our best because of her unwavering commitment to positively influencing the health and well-being of people in our communities.”

Lamson is recognized internationally as a prolific researcher with contributions including two major textbooks and over 150 journal articles and book chapters on medical family therapy. Her leadership roles at ECU include interim assistant vice chancellor for economic and community engagement where she led efforts for ECU’s recent designation as a Research 1 university.

Currently serving as a senior fellow for the ECU Office of Innovation and Engagement, Lamson mentors junior faculty to expand their grant opportunities and external partnerships.

“Dr. Lamson is the embodiment of the engaged faculty member,” remarked UNC System President Peter Hans. “She has put her extensive scholarship into real-world practice to improve lives while inspiring students to embrace public service.”

In recognition of her dedication to student support through specialized learning opportunities, Lamson was awarded the 2024 Distinguished Graduate Faculty Mentor Award.

“Dr. Lamson has gone above and beyond to support her students,” commented Wendy Murphy, chair of the UNC Board of Governors. “Her commitment to their success is a testament to the impact she has had on countless lives both in the classroom and in the community.”