Ms. Nancy Williams has been a social worker for 34 years in the Owatonna Public Schools District, including 25 years at Owatonna High School. Williams earned her undergraduate degree at Bemidji State University, and this position was her first job after college.
Last fall, Williams was named the Minnesota School Social Worker of the Year. Williams stated, “I was shocked and kind of blindsided with that. Mr. Kath actually was the one that nominated me, and then some of my colleagues sent in letters of support for it.” A banquet was later held in her honor to present the award and recognize her work.
After receiving the state award, Williams became eligible for consideration for the National School Social Worker of the Year award. She was not expecting to receive national recognition. At the end of Feb. Williams received a call from the School Social Worker Association of America informing her that she had been selected as National School Social Worker of the Year. “I was like WHAT? LIKE WHAT?” Williams said, recalling her reaction to the news.
The National School Social Work Conference was held in St. Louis, MO. from March 24 through March 27 2026. Williams was unable to attend due to her spring break trip already being scheduled. The conference celebrates social workers, provides professional development opportunities and connects professionals from across the country. Recipients are often selected based on their impact on students, leadership within schools and commitment to helping others.
Williams said part of the reason she believes she was selected was because of her involvement outside of school. In addition to her work at OHS, she has advised SHOC (Students Helping Others Choose) for the past 10 years. Williams said, “It’s one thing to do your job every day and come in, support kids and help them with their mental health and basic needs but what are you doing for the community?” Williams has also helped start the Husky Pantry, previously worked as an adjunct professor at Concordia University, St. Paul in the past and participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters for several years. She has also served as a chairperson for Huskies Tackling Cancer.
Williams said one of the most rewarding parts of her career has been watching students grow, overcome challenges and succeed. One of Williams’ co-workers, School Counselor Tami Langlois said, “She digs deep with students more so on their social emotional needs. We kind of both do that in a way but she just does it to a more therapeutic level.” When describing Williams, Langlois stated, “She brings the fun on hard days—-she really makes work, like we work hard but we also have fun together.” She also adds, “She likes to recognize other people ahead of herself but she deserves all of that recognition.”
