Doctoral Student Steps into Council on Social Work Education Leadership Position
Oluwaseun (Jay) Jegede, a doctoral student with the FSU College of Social Work, has been appointed as a member of the Council on Social Work Education Council on Conferences and Faculty Development. The appointment is a three-year appointment from 2026 through 2029. The council supports CSWE staff in implementing the organization’s Annual Conference as well as regional conferences, along with setting policy guidelines for CSWE-sponsored faculty development initiatives.
Since starting at Florida State, Jegede has made it her priority to be as engaged as possible with the social work organizations that shape the social work profession in the United States and globally.
“For me, social work scholarship is not just an academic pursuit; it is a living, breathing community,” she expressed. “By staying deeply curious and actively following the platforms, publications and leaders who influence our field, this incredible opportunity naturally came into focus. Now in my second year, that dedication to staying connected has brought me directly to the table.”
Jegede is currently the only social work doctoral student on the council, and at first, she hesitated to apply as the opportunity seemed more oriented to faculty. “I chose to believe in the value of my unique journey, my research profile and the dedication I have poured into social work.”
With a focus on personal and professional growth, Jegede took a leap of faith, and was thrilled when she learned she had been selected as a council member. She notes just how validating it was to learn that her unique experiences as a Nigerian mental health counselor and researcher would be a part of shaping and supporting the social work profession.
She began her role as a council member with a joint CSWE leadership orientation this summer, followed by an orientation exclusively for the Council on Conferences and Faculty Development, where they learned more about their responsibilities and got to know each other.
Although early into her appointed position, Jegede is enjoying the regular meetings where the council prepares for the 2026 Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, along with future conferences, speakers, and ways to strengthen faculty development and conference programming.
Jegede has also immersed herself in other CSWE resources, including CSWE Spark, an interactive virtual community designed to connect CSWE members, including social work educators, practitioners, and students. She also regularly reads the CSWE Compass newsletter to stay informed on important updates for the social work education community. She is also excited to present at the upcoming Annual Conference related to a research project she has worked on with colleagues from the Florida Institute for Child Welfare.
“I have always believed that some of the most meaningful growth happens when we step into spaces that challenge and stretch us,” she emphasized. “I want to be in a room where others are further along the path, where their collective wisdom inspires me to learn and rise.”
Jegede added, “If you see your future in social work scholarship or academiac, CSWE offers a valuable place to thrive/begin begin.” Jegede added. “Do not wait for a future title to start leading. Seek opportunities that challenge you, keep showing up, and give yourself room to learn, contribute and thrive.”