COSW staff member Avril Lail is a matchmaker. She connects over 275 students with about 400 organizational partners around South Carolina, placing every social work student in a yearly internship.  
 
It’s a tricky job – Lail has to know the organization and its mission, its culture and how it works with interns. Meeting with organizations in 17 counties, placing each BSW and MSW student in an internship that fits them isn’t easy. She must generate just the right match for both the student and the organizations they serve.  
 
The resulting effort is a positive career experience for a student and thousands of volunteer hours for South Carolina organizations that would otherwise go without this help.  
 
Lail’s ability to matchmake with her team, along with forging state-wide connections, garnered her USC’s 2025 Excellence In Community Impact Staff Award, an honor that recognizes service to the community, building partnerships and creating lasting and positive impacts.  
 
As one of only ten awards given across the university, Lail’s success as the Interim Director of Field Education was recognized as an outstanding contribution to USC. Her award is one of the inaugural awards given by the USC President’s Office to recognize outstanding staff members.  
 
Lail shared what the award means to her and the values of her work.  
 
“This award means so much to me because it reflects the heart of what I care about most: building strong relationships, supporting others and making a difference through social work,” says Lail. “I'm so thankful to work alongside such dedicated colleagues, students and community partners - especially the amazing field education team - who share a commitment to meaningful, lasting change.” 
 
Associate Director for Curriculum Ben Roth says Lail is a thoughtful problem solver who orchestrates a complex yet vital task. 
 
“It's difficult to cultivate a sense of belonging, or foster collaboration or forge connections when things are chaotic and frantic. Ms. Lail is like the ballast of ship, keeping it upright. Though not always seen, it is always there, always steadying.” 
 
Dean Teri Browne agrees with Roth’s assessment of Lail’s efforts.  
 
“Avril’s work exemplifies what makes our college so special - a deep commitment to our students and to communities across South Carolina,” says Browne. “Her ability to connect people and create meaningful partnerships is truly inspiring.” 
 
Lail was given the award at a campus-wide ceremony honoring the ten winners. Recipients also received a one-time cash prize as a token of appreciation. Roth sums up the efforts of Lail: 
 
“Her actions and the grace with which she approaches the work make for a stronger college and help to solidify the reputation of USC as an institution that is truly invested in serving the community of South Carolina.”