CWU’s Reasons Receives 2018 Rep. Timm Ormsby Citizenship Award

Charles Reasons, Central Washington University professor of law and justice, is one of only four public university faculty to receive the coveted Ormsby for Faculty Citizenship Award for his exemplary work in civic engagement with CWU and the Ellensburg community.

The award was created in 2013 in Representative Timm Ormsby’s honor, in recognition of his efforts to promote civic leadership throughout Washington State.

“This award is a symbol of everything we are working to become as a society,” Reasons said. “I’m honored to be recognized for the efforts that I hold dear.”

Reasons was nominated for the award because of his tireless efforts to work on behalf of students and underserved communities. His 30-year career has been focused on social and legal issues as well as activism and social change.

As a first-generation college graduate, he supports the CWU McNair Scholars program for first-generation, low-income students preparing for graduate school. Moreover, he mentors and inspires these students that anything is possible. Reasons also serves on a number of university committees including the Social Justice and Human Rights Dialogues and Africana Black Studies Minor Committees.

His service and citizenship extend into the community. Reasons was a founding member and Chair of Central Washington Justice for Our Neighbors, an immigration law clinic to provide legal assistance to those in need in the Ellensburg area. He has worked with the Kittitas County Law and Justice Council on a variety of issues. His research with legal and social science scholars and practitioners was utilized in a report for change in the Washington State Criminal Justice to reduce discrimination based on race and ethnicity.

“Chuck Reasons has been consistently committed to civic engagement and we’re happy he’s been recognized for these activities because they make such a difference to people,” said Paul Knepper, professor and chair of the Department of Law and Justice.

Reason’s career and service to others has garnered him a number of other awards this year including the 2018 CWU Distinguished Professor-Service Award and CWU Faculty Diversity Award.

The Ormbsy Award will be presented to Reasons at the CWU’s Faculty Senate on October 31.

Media Contact: Dawn Alford, Department of Public Affairs, 509-963-1484, dawn.alford@cwu.edu