Pamela Noel, 43, assistant professor, School of Social Work, died at her home on Saturday, February 3, 2008.
Professor Noel joined the UI faculty in August 2002 after serving as a research associate (1998-2000) and postdoctoral fellow in the school (2000-2002). Pam earned her MSW and MPH degrees from San Diego State University and her PhD in Maternal and Child Health from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Professor Noel taught many courses for the School in both the BA and MSW programs; notably research courses, diversity courses, integrated practice courses and field seminars. In addition, Professor Noel was instrumental in developing immersion and service learning courses collaboratively with Lutheran Campus Ministries (Community Development with Youth), ARC of Johnson County (Social Justice for Persons with Disabilities) and the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Johnson County (Child Abuse Prevention). Professor Noel was a mentor to many students concerned with the well-being of children impacted by developmental disabilities and child abuse/neglect.
The focus of Professor Noel’s scholarship was the amelioration of parental substance use and abuse on child and adolescent development. She was very invested in research that would support the development of substance abuse prevention and early intervention strategies. Professor Noel reported that current evidence in the fields of substance abuse, child welfare, education and disability studies support the relationship among substance abuse prevention, child abuse prevention and disability prevention. Professor Noel presented her research at local, state, national and international forums. She found many allies among other scholars and community professionals as a result of her presentations.
Professor Noel’s compassion for families with a child with special needs fueled her community volunteerism with multiple health and human service agencies while on the faculty. She worked collaboratively with the Center for Independent Living, Iowa SCRIPT (Supporting Changes and Reform in Pre-professional Training), and ARC of Johnson County. She was also appointed by the Iowa governor to the Early Access Council for Children and Families. Professor Noel was also deeply concerned with the well-being of children who had been abused or neglected and children in the foster-care system: she served as a board member with Prevent Child Abuse Johnson County. Together with her mother and husband, Pam was a foster parent to several children during her time on the faculty. She “practiced” social justice as readily as she preached it to her students. Pam will long be remembered as a champion for families with children with special needs and children who had been abused and neglected.
Pam is survived by her husband, Glenn, her son, Elijah and her mother, Ellaine. The family is establishing a memorial in her name. Pam’s obituary can be found on the funeral home website: www.gayandciha.com