Alumni & Friends

The Florida Institute for Child Welfare at the FSU College of Social Work was featured on ABC 27 - WTXL Tallahassee for its virtual reality training program for social work students, which helps prepare them for working with children and families. Virtual reality immerses social work students and child welfare workers in simulated real-life case management scenarios, providing a controlled environment where they can practice and refine their skills.

Watch the video and read the transcript by clicking the button below.

One year post-launch, an innovative, self-paced program created by the Stoops Center for Communities, Families, and Children (Stoops CFC Center) at Florida State University's College of Social Work is helping individuals involved with the criminal justice system build healthier lives and reduce substance-related harm—without adding to staff workload.

Dr. Donald Ray Bardill, who served as a social work faculty member at FSU and as a dean for the then School of Social Work (1979–1994), passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on November 23, 2025.

Jails in the United States hold more than half a million people daily, with more than 80% of them experiencing multiple forms of trauma in their lifetime. Research has established a strong link between trauma and multiple forms of mental and behavioral health issues, including but not limited to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and substance use disorders.

Since 2012, Giving Tuesday has united millions worldwide in a Global Day of Generosity. This year, you can make a direct impact on the future of social work.

Social work students must complete internships to graduate—but most are unpaid. This creates financial strain, burnout, and barriers for students with limited resources. A recent survey within the college revealed that nearly 89% of past internships were uncompensated, forcing students to take on extra loans, work long hours, and even risk eviction.

“I was born and raised in a disenfranchised neighborhood where most people I knew rarely had second chances,” recollects Derrick St. Fort. “Too often, their mistakes overshadowed their entire existence. I wanted to change that.”

Gabrielle Dybalski, a graduate student in Florida State University’s master’s clinical social work program, brings a wealth of experience from her nine years in the U.S. Marine Corps, where she rose to staff sergeant (E6) as an intelligence specialist.

Her time at FSU has been defined by her commitment to service and involvement with the FSU Student Veterans Center, which she credits for easing her transition from military to academic life.

“I grew up in a very musical family,” recalled Brianne Rucker. “So I always knew music would be a big part of my life.”

Rucker began playing the saxophone at the age of six and performed in ensembles throughout her childhood and into adulthood. While she was always fascinated by psychology and human behavior, her love of music and the joy of sharing it with others led her to pursue a career in education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from Tennessee State University, a historically Black college/university (HBCU).

The College of Social Work at Florida State University hosted its 2025 Scholarship and Awards dinner, honoring distinguished alumni with six awards and more than 90 student scholars.

More than $109,625 in scholarships were provided to undergraduate and graduate social work students with interests in areas including child welfare, social policy, international social work, social work practice and military veterans.

This year, Dean David Springer was selected as a National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Social Work Pioneer. The program honors members of the social work profession who have made significant contributions to the growth and enrichment of the profession, as well as their exceptional dedication, commitment and determination to improve social and human conditions.