HAYS, KS -- Judy Caprez, director and associate professor of social work at Fort Hays State University, has been recognized by the Kansas chapter of the National Association of Social Workers as its Social Worker of the Year.

Caprez attended the annual KNASW conference, Social Work: The Tapestry of Touching Lives, and was presented with the award Sept. 7.

"It was the sort of thing you never expect," said Caprez, "I wasn't even going to attend."

In years past, the eastern corridor has taken the prizes, and Caprez was aware of this. However, she said, this year the committee made an effort to chose someone from western Kansas.