Since 2012, the FSU College of Social Work has enjoyed an international partnership with Jönköping University in Sweden, offering an exchange program for both universities’ undergraduate students. Students participating in the program can take a full-time course load for a full semester at their host university.
Two doctoral students from the Florida State University College of Social Work, Oluwaseun "Jay" Jegede and Ngondwe "Pons" Ponsiano, received highly competitive 2026 Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Travel Awards to support their participation in the annual conference held in January 2026. Each year, SSWR awards a limited number of travel stipends to doctoral students nationwide selected as presenting authors at the conference.
MSW student Sarah Lovins Bacani is both an FSU student and an FSU employee working within FSU Advising First, a part of the Division of Undergraduate Studies. "I currently work in the Center for Academic Guidance, where we specialize in early response interventions for students who are beginning to show signs of academic disengagement or risk of dropping out," she shared.
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.
“I grew up in a very musical family,” recalled Brianne Rucker. “So I always knew music would be a big part of my life.”
Rucker began playing the saxophone at the age of six and performed in ensembles throughout her childhood and into adulthood. While she was always fascinated by psychology and human behavior, her love of music and the joy of sharing it with others led her to pursue a career in education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from Tennessee State University, a historically Black college/university (HBCU).
Bailey Marie Latchford, a junior at Florida State University, is pursuing a dual degree in social work and criminal justice. Her journey to FSU was influenced by her three brothers who attended the university before her, the size of the campus and the many opportunities it offers.
Undergraduate student Jackzyri Torres knew on her first campus visit to Florida State University that it had for her a “homelike vibe” and could envision herself as a student there. “It’s safe to say that the community and hospitality is what drew me to FSU,” she conveyed.
Originally from Miami, Florida, she was thrilled to come to Florida State as a first-generation college student. She declared a double major in psychology and social work with a minor in Italian to combine two of her passions, helping others and travel.
A substantial gift from Florida Blue will establish an endowed scholarship at Florida State University Panama City for students in the Social Work (BSW) program.
“Within health care, social work is so critically important,” said Hong Potomski, spokeswoman for Florida Blue. “In order to support that need, it’s important to us to support workforce development and work with organizations like FSU Panama City.”
In light of the recent tragedy at the FSU Student Union, the College of Social Work relocated its Spring 2025 Graduation Event to Opperman Music Hall in the College of Music’s Kuersteiner Building. The event welcomed spring 2025 graduates and their guests, celebrating 51 BSW, 141 MSW and two doctoral graduates.
