Nicki Moody receives College of Social Science Dean’s Institutional Access Staff Award
May 11, 2026 - Brandon Drain
Michigan State University’s College of Social Science honored Nicki Moody with the Dean’s Institutional Access Staff Award.
Presented every two years, the award is one of the college’s most prestigious honors and recognizes staff who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to fostering an environment where institutional access is understood, valued, respected and practiced.
“It’s validating to know the work I’m doing is meaningful to others and that it impacts people in important ways,” said Moody, a field office coordinator in MSU’s School of Social Work.
Moody was recognized for her advocacy in expanding paid internship opportunities for social work students during their field placements. Her efforts contributed to a 38% increase in paid placements—an achievement she called “a real pride point for me, because it’s been a hill that I’ve been standing on firmly for more than five years.”
As a first-generation college student herself, Moody understands the financial barriers many students face while pursuing a degree.
“I was always drawn to working with students who were first gen,” she said. “I was drawn to students who didn’t have what I call that financial safety net.”
That commitment has had a meaningful impact on student success, particularly for low-income students in the School of Social Work.
“While many instructors express empathy for the financial struggles of students, Professor Moody translates that empathy into systemic change,” said Mackenzie Dougherty, an MSU Social Work student. “Recognizing that many students were essentially ‘paying to work’ due to the high costs of fuel and vehicle maintenance, Professor Moody navigated the complex university administration to advocate for a policy change.”
Moody’s student-centered approach allows her to identify barriers and gaps students face and work toward solutions that expand opportunity.
“For me, this recognition is rooted in my own experience in having done unpaid internships to complete degrees because I didn’t have that financial safety support,” said Moody.
The Office of Institutional Access works to create an equitable, welcoming, and opportunity-rich environment for faculty, staff, students, alumni, and our surrounding communities. We advance access by identifying and removing barriers, closing opportunity gaps, and fostering conditions for success. Through collaboration, innovation, and accountability, we strive to ensure that all members of our community can thrive and contribute fully to the life of the College of Social Science.