FSU Center Initiative Expands Nationally
Friday, December 05, 2025
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.
Posted Under: Alumni & Friends, CFC Center News, CSW General
Meet Our 2025 Doctoral Student Cohort
Friday, December 05, 2025
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.
Posted Under: Doctoral Program, CSW General
Research Study Evaluates Feasibility of a Trauma-Informed Intervention in a County Jail
Thursday, December 04, 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.
Posted Under: Alumni & Friends
Remembering Dean and Faculty Member Ray Bardill
Tuesday, December 02, 2025
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.
Posted Under: Alumni & Friends, Faculty & Research
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.