Lynette Danley was recognized for service to the community

Dr. Lynette Danley, Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy in the College of Education, was presented the University of Utah Alumni Association's Community Service Award on April 17th at the Alumni Association's Spring Awards Banquet. 

The Community Service award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has contributed significantly to the betterment of the off-campus community through sharing or volunteering his/her time, talent, and/or resources. Dr. Danley will be recognized for her Black Butterflies program in the high schools and the Youth Council Mentoring program at Calvary Baptist Church and New Pilgrim Church. She also spearheaded the "Success Suits You" program for women at the YWCA.

The focus on cutting-edge research, social justice, outreach, and diversity issues is what drew Dr. Danley to the College of Education. According to Dr. Danley, "As a black woman, with a background in educational leadership and policy, I have found tremendous opportunities at the college to serve in ways that have really strengthened me as a 'scholar activist.' " Dr. Danley feels that service not only keeps her identity strong and taps into her cultural roots, but it also strengthens her research and teaching.

Dr. Danley believes that her success lies within herself, and that she has the privilege and a responsibility to show young black women that this is true for them as well. To encourage this belief, Dr. Danley founded the mentoring program, Black Butterflies, for African-American high school girls. By mentoring one another these women learn about self-respect, positive relationships, and the importance of pursuing higher education.  "I've seen their self esteem take flight and soar," proudly explains Dr. Danley.