Alumni Spotlight:
R. Ellen Runyon, ’10, LCSW
Bachelor of Science, Biology
Class of: 2010
The Journey Continues…
LCSW, Private Practice
Ellen Runyon, ’10, has dedicated herself to a life of service, further fostered by her education at Centenary University. Runyon was a biology major who graduated magna cum laude and was the founding member and past president of the Beta Beta Beta Honor Society.
Runyon later pursued her Master’s in Social Work and had her own private practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Runyon said she loves helping people, which led her to pursuing a career in social work. Her passion for helping others stretches back long before her Centenary days; she spent 36 years as a volunteer EMT. She was also an active member of the Optimist Club and Rotary Club. She is currently a proud member of the Long Valley Junior Women’s Club.
Additionally, Runyon is passionate about NASA, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, astronomy, and all things space-related, which she channels into her talented artwork. Runyon airbrushes, hand paints, and laser engraves a variety of media, and some of her pieces are even worn or owned by astronauts. Runyon notes that creating her art is one of her favorite forms of self-care. She even started an online Astronomy Club in Chester.

Runyon’s advice for fellow social workers is
“to treat people holistically and to meet them where they’re at.”

