FSU Alumna Prioritizes Well-Being Through Therapy and Self-Guided Resources
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
Stephanie Barca’s journey to a career in social work took many twists and turns. After graduating with an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, she continued her education by earning a law degree. She went on to practice law for thirteen years in a variety of areas, including criminal defense.
Posted Under: Alumni & Friends, CSW General
FSU Center Awarded Federal Grant to Expand Behavioral Health Workforce in Florida's Panhandle
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Posted Under: Alumni & Friends, CFC Center News, CSW General
FSU Social Work Alumni Appointed Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary
Friday, September 26, 2025
Matthew (Matt) Walsh (MSW ’21) was appointed on August 13, 2025, as the secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).
Posted Under: Alumni & Friends, CSW General
Miss Florida Seminole bridges heritage and higher education at FSU
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Bailey Marie Latchford, a junior at Florida State University, is pursuing a dual degree in social work and criminal justice. Her journey to FSU was influenced by her three brothers who attended the university before her, the size of the campus and the many opportunities it offers.
Posted Under: Students, CSW General
FSU to Honor Distinguished Alumni During Homecoming Weekend
Tuesday, September 09, 2025
Photo: (Top) Jennifer Collins, Bob Sasser, Terrence Williams Jr., Leslie Webber and James “Chef” Barlow. (Middle) Lauren Albaum, Larry Hogan, Mary Katherine “Cricket” Mannheimer, Eduardo Pérez and Andrea Friall. (Bottom) Delores Spearman, Guy Spearman, Ashlee Fontes, Zach Heng and Kenneth Cagnolatti.
Florida State University will recognize 15 outstanding alumni during Homecoming weekend, Oct. 31–Nov. 2.
Posted Under: Alumni & Friends
FSU Social Work Welcomes New Faculty Member Kaela Byers
Wednesday, September 03, 2025
“My inspiration to pursue social work stemmed from a commitment to human rights and desire to address disparities at a systems level, particularly for vulnerable children and families,” shared Dr. Kaela Byers. “I was particularly drawn to the potential for research to inform policy and practice changes that lead to more supportive and accessible systems.”
Posted Under: CSW General, Faculty & Research
FSU Social Work Welcomes New Faculty Member JaNiene Peoples
Thursday, August 28, 2025
“My passion for pursuing a career in social work stems from the field’s unique integration of human rights and justice into its values and multi-level frameworks,” expressed Dr. JaNiene Peoples. “Social work, especially within research, offers the opportunity to build collaborative, transformative partnerships that drive change.”
Posted Under: Faculty & Research
Longtime Faculty Member Dr. Dina Wilke Retires
Thursday, July 31, 2025
After twenty-four years as a faculty member of the FSU College of Social Work, Dr. Dina Wilke will retire at the end of the summer 2025 semester.
Throughout Dr. Wilke’s tenure, she served in numerous leadership positions at the college, including as associate dean for academic affairs from 2007 until 2014. She has also been a long-standing faculty affiliate of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare (FICW).
Posted Under: Alumni & Friends, Faculty & Research
College of Social Work Backs Successful Co-Parenting After Divorce Toolkit to Keep it Accessible
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Starting in July 2025, the College of Social Work will sponsor the Toolkit on Successful Co-Parenting After Divorce, a training created by the Institute for Trauma and Resilience housed at the college. The training is an important resource helping divorced parents across the country create low-conflict, high-cooperation coparenting relationships.
Posted Under: CSW General
Research Study Examines Organizational Factors’ Impact on Work-Related Burnout in Child Welfare Workers
Monday, July 28, 2025
Workplace burnout is a frequent cause of turnover for child welfare workers. Burnout is a multifaceted phenomenon and, research suggests that almost 65% of child welfare workers experience it. Burnout includes co-occurring physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that is often related to organizational, or work-related, factors.