Since she became a UTC faculty member nearly two decades ago, Dr. Helen Eigenberg has been involved in the community. The professor of criminal justice has served on various task forces, including the Tennessee State Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and the Tennessee Victims of Crime State Coordinating Council.
Her dedication to helping others recently earned her the Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award, an honor given by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. The award is only given to five students and five university faculty or staff each year.
Dr. Helen Eigenberg (center) receiving the Harold Love Outstanding Community Service award
In addition to her work at the state level, Eigenberg has had a significant impact on the UTC campus. In 2002 and 2005, she authored and was project director for a National Institute of Justice Violence Against Women Grant which provided about $400,000 in funding to UTC to establish and expand services for victims of violence and sexual assault on campus. The grants established the Transformation Project, which provided the foundation for permanent funding on campus for these services.
“Dr. Eigenberg has contributed greatly to the well-being and safety of not only her campus, but her community and state, impacting victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence,” UTC Chancellor Steven Angle wrote in his recommendation letter.
Community service recognition programs for higher-education students, faculty and staff were created in Tennessee through legislation passed by the General Assembly in 1991. In 1997, the awards were named for the late Rep. Harold Love, Sr., who was instrumental in passing the legislation.
Congratulations,Helen. Sounds like this is a well-deserved award! I am a friend of your mothers and as a social worker staffed many cases with your mom. I am glad that your parents are there to see you more often…and get honored!
Congratulations Dr. Eigenberg ! A well-deserved honor !!!