Cherry Short, assistant dean for global and community initiatives at the USC School of Social Work, has been awarded an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Wales for her work in improving race relations in Britain.

In a ceremony on March 30 at the University of Wales' Trinity College in Carmarthen, Wales, Short was acknowledged for her public policy achievements, specifically in social work practice and academics.

"It's just tremendous to be honored for the work I've done as race commissioner in Wales, getting institutes to change their practice, ensuring legislative changes and empowering ordinary people," she said.

Short, who was born in the West Indies but calls Britain her home, joined the USC School of Social Work a little more than a year ago. She had previously spent the last decade as commissioner for racial equality in Wales and as a member of the Commission on Race and Equality, the British regulatory body that administers the United Kingdom Race and Equality Act of 1976. After serving an exemplary first term, Short was the only commissioner to be re-appointed for a second term.

A woman of firsts, Short was the first black woman probation officer in Wales, as well as the first black woman to sit on industrial tribunals in Wales. She also served as an elected member of the Cardiff City Council for 17 years and as a member of the British government's task force on Welfare to Work and New Deal programs.

At the USC School of Social Work, Short also works with the Office of External Relations, reaching out to the community and the city of Los Angeles, facilitating activities that support local efforts to end poverty and homelessness. She also recently developed a study-abroad program in London that awards an MSW post-graduate certificate in international social work practice.

In 2006, Short was declared a Commander of the British Empire, the United Kingdom's highest public service position, for promoting racial equality in Wales.

"Coupled with her recent recognition by the royal family in England, this [honorary doctorate] represents an exceptional set of recognitions for distinction and accomplishment," USC School of Social Work Dean Marilyn Flynn said.