College of Social Work Gathers to Honor Spring 2026 Graduates and Awards
Enjoy highlights from the Spring 2026 Graduation Event including the College of Social Work 2026 award recipients.
Alumni Lunch: June 11
Join the College of Social Work for an Alumni Lunch on Thursday, June 11, during the NASW-Florida Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Art, Healing and Resilience: How Creative Expression Promotes Health and Growth
Dr. Nick Mazza conducted a poetry therapy workshop as a part of a night exploring art's role in healing in resilience.
Faculty Member Receives FSU Community-Engaged Teaching Award
Erika Cuffy was awarded a University Teaching Award for her community engaged teaching methods.
Alumna Aids Community Health as a Paramedicine Social Worker
Sunshine Arnold connects her community to research and support as a part of the Citrus County paramedicine program.
Alumnus Endows Jean Margaret Garvey Graduate Scholarship
Patrick Garvey endowed a scholarship to support graduate social work students to honor his late mother and her dedication to education.
Doctoral Student Receives Social Work Grand Challenges Fellowship
Sanoop Valappanandi was awarded a fellowship to support his research in environmental social work.
Introducing the FSU Justice and Health Innovation Research Institute
The College of Social Work launched a new institute focused on justice and health innovation research.
Alumni and Staff Among Oasis Center Trailblazer Honorees
Development Director Paige McKay Kubik and Alumni Graciela Marquina and Hannah Cronic received 2026 Oasis Center for Women and Girls awards for their efforts in the community.
Participating in AI Day in the Capital
FSU Social Work and Florida Institute for Child Welfare participated in the AI Day in the Capital to examine the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
Recent News
Alumna Amplifies Baltimore’s Tech and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
“I often say that I carry social work into every room I enter. It is not just what I do, it is a part of who I am,” expressed Jalaycia Lewis (BSW ’20). “When others see a startup or a technology venture, I see the person behind it, their story, their sacrifices and the people counting on them to win. That perspective grounds everything.”
College of Social Work Gathers to Honor Spring 2026 Graduates and Awards
Friday, May 08, 2026
The FSU College of Social Work celebrated spring 2026 social work graduates at its semesterly graduation event in Opperman Music Hall in the College of Music’s Kursteiner Building. The event welcomed graduates and their guests, celebrating 47 BSW and 146 MSW graduates.
Dean David Springer presided over the event for his last formal with the college. “I know from experience that as an alum, there is a strong and steadfast bond that remains with Florida State University,” he expressed in his closing remarks.
FSU College of Social Work Dean Search 2026
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Florida State University (FSU) invites nominations, expressions of interest, and applications for the position of Dean in the College of Social Work. The University seeks a dynamic and passionate leader and scholar who will advance social work research and support the College's mission of preparing professionals who enhance human well-being.
The University has retained WittKieffer to assist with this national search.
Alumna Receives 2026 SSWR Social Policy Researcher Award
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Dr. Annelise Mennicke (MSW ’11, PhD ’15) received the 2026 Social Policy Researcher Award from the Society for Social Work and Research for her significant contributions to violence prevention policy.
Jeff Binkley Appointed Director of Maura’s Voice at FSU
Monday, April 27, 2026
This spring, Jeffrey (Jeff) Binkley was appointed as the director of Maura’s Voice Research Fund, housed within the FSU College of Social Work. The Maura’s Voice Research Fund was founded by Mr.