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.”
Dr. Yarneccia D. Dyson has been selected as the next dean of the University of Houston’s (UH) Graduate School of Social Work, where she will also hold the honor of the Maconda Brown O’Connor Endowed Dean’s Chair. She will step into the role on June 1, 2025.
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.
Young alumni Tierra Lamore (BSW '24) testified before the House Career and Workforce Subcommittee earlier in the 2025 Florida Legislative Session in support of HB879, which would ensure that young adults who experience homelessness or who had experienced foster care be given priority for housing on college campuses.
Jessica Greil-Burkhart, an assistant teaching professor with the FSU College of Social Work, was awarded a 2024-25 University Teaching Award for Innovation in Teaching from the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. The award honors faculty who invest considerable time and effort into transforming the learning experiences they provide for their students.
Claire Sciandra, a senior and BSW student, was the College of Social Work's Undergraduate Humanitarian of the Year. The honor is awarded annually and emphasizes Florida State's responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the public good.
During the 14th annual FSU’s Great Give on March 5th, the College of Social Work raised more than $23,500, including over $16,800 dedicated to International Program scholarships for social work students.
The 92 generous donors and their contributions were further boosted by a $5,000 dollar-for-dollar donation match provided by College of Social Work alumni and supporters John and Meg Paschal.
As a self-described “practical person,” Erica Askin (BSW 2004) always wanted a hands-on career working directly with people. While at Florida State University as an undergraduate student, social work offered the hands-on experience and skills she sought. “I chose the Social Work program at FSU because it aligned with these values while also giving me the opportunity to be educated and mentored by really great professors and to gain new perspectives in a different region of Florida where I grew up,” said Askin.
“I have heard people say, ‘you don’t need others to make it in life’ and about ‘self-made’ successful individuals. This was not my story. I needed people,” said Altrichia Cook Wilcox (BSW '09).
While just starting out at Florida State University and five hours away from her hometown of Lakeland, Florida, she knew what it was like to be overwhelmed by the prospect of being a young mother balancing the demands of school and daily life.
Child welfare professionals and Florida State University College of Social Work students often face challenges in developing the necessary skills for effective observation and interviewing in real-world settings.
