Alumnus Shines a Light on the Heart of Social Work and Criminal Justice
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
“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.”
Posted Under: Alumni & Friends, CSW General
Join Us This Giving Tuesday – December 2, 2025
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
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.
Posted Under: Alumni & Friends, CSW General
Rebound & Recovery Enters Its Third Year in Leon County: Building Strong Foundations for Kindergarten and Beyond
Thursday, November 13, 2025
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).
Posted Under: CFC Center News, CSW General
FSU Student Veteran on a Mission to Serve and Uplift Through Social Work
Monday, November 10, 2025
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.
Posted Under: Alumni & Friends, CSW General
Social Work Student Utilizes Music and Learning to Empower Others
Thursday, November 06, 2025
“I grew up in a very musical family,” recalled Brianne Rucker. “So I always knew music would be a big part of my life.”
Posted Under: Alumni & Friends, Students
FSU’s College of Social Work Celebrates Alumni Awards and Scholarship Recipients
Tuesday, November 04, 2025
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.
Posted Under: Alumni & Friends, CSW General
FSU Faculty Member Shares Qualitative Research Expertise with University of Kerala Colleagues
Thursday, October 16, 2025
This summer, Dr. John Mathias was the keynote speaker at a one-day Workshop on Qualitative Research and Ethnography at the Central University of Kerala, Department of Social Work in southern India.
Posted Under: Faculty & Research
Dean David Springer Becomes NASW Pioneer and FADD President
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
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.
Posted Under: Alumni & Friends, CSW General, Faculty & Research
Badging: A New Way to Recognize Your Continuing Education Efforts with the FSU Stoops CFC Center
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
Helping professionals are constantly seeking ways to advance their knowledge and meet continuing education (CE) requirements to maintain licensure. However, there is often little reward for meeting these requirements, and fewer opportunities to share acquired knowledge with colleagues, supervisors and social media audiences.
Posted Under: CFC Center News, CSW General
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.