The FSU College of Social Work welcomed its newest cohort of Student Ambassadors for the 2025-2026 academic year. These student leaders are taking a forward-facing role at the college, acting as representatives of the college and its mission in multiple roles.
As a case management assistant at AdventHealth Central Florida Division, Online MSW student, Fabiana Mattos Da Rocha, works alongside hardworking doctors, nurses, and other helping professionals and connects with patients and their families on a daily basis. She noticed in 2025 an increase in signs of quiet burnout, exhaustion and being overwhelmed across the board.
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.
The College of Social Work is thrilled to welcome the newest cohort of doctoral students. Each doctoral student joins the university community with a unique background and sense of purpose to further advance social work scholarship and the people the field of social work serves.
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.”
Rebound & Recovery initiative, housed at the FSU College of Social Work’s Stoops Center for Communities, Families and Children (Stoops CFC), entered its third year of implementation across Leon County in 2025 with powerful momentum and expanded reach thanks to the continued support of the Children’s Services Council of Leon County (CSC).
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.
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.
