Cheris Current, Walla Walla University professor of social work and sociology, received the 2017 WWU Community Service Award at the 135th Annual Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet in December.

Current has served as a member of the Junior Club of Walla Walla, on the SonBridge Advisory Board, and on the Blue Mountain Action Council. She has worked for Habitat for Humanity as vice president and as coordinator of WWU student volunteers. She has also coordinated and taught a naturalization preparation class at SonBridge for immigrants to the Walla Walla Valley.

Current has taught in the WWU School of Social Work and Sociology since 2007. She teaches classes on subjects such as the historical development of social welfare, privilege and oppression, immigration and identity, and human behavior. She is currently chair of the faculty at WWU.

Current has a bachelor’s degree in history from Southern University, and a master’s degree and doctorate in American studies from Washington State University. Much of her professional focus is on culture, race, gender, social policy, and justice issues. She is a devoted advocate for groups of disadvantaged people.

Posted Feb. 15, 2018