Growing up as a child in Natchez, Mississippi, Albert (AJ) Bacon was encouraged by church and family to reach out to others. Throughout his childhood, he also enjoyed the reward of teamwork as he played sports. When his brother joined the Marine Corps, and later the Army Reserves, AJ decided to take these interests of serving and collaboration to a higher purpose. To this end, AJ was particularly drawn to the U.S. Air Force as he was inspired by their motto, "Aim High" as well their mission and career opportunities.

Three social work students, Olivia Hitchcock, Sofie Adele Muench and Brandon Rowland are among nine FSU students selected in disciplines across campus to be a part of the 2020 cohort of the Florida Area Health and Education Center (AHEC) Scholars Program.

The Successful Co-Parenting After Divorce Initiative, created by the Institute of Family Violence Studies (IFVS), housed at the FSU College of Social Work, was recognized as one of Florida TaxWatch’s 2020 Productivity Award recipients.

January 2021 the Florida Institute for Child Welfare released the second season of its podcast focused on “Re-Imagining Child Welfare Through Technology and Innovation.” In this latest season of the podcast, listeners can learn about how technology, creativity and collaboration is changing and innovating child welfare practice.

At the end of the Fall 2020 semester, Florida State University inducted 39 students into the prestigious Garnet and Gold Scholars Society. The society recognizes undergraduate students who excel within and beyond the classroom in at least three of five areas: international experience, internship, leadership, research and service.

Dr. David Springer will step into the role as interim dean of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) while UT conducts a national search for a new dean. More than two decades as a professor and academic leader at UT Austin have prepared him for this new leadership role.

Fall 2020 Graduates were celebrated in a virtual ceremony on Friday, December 11th, incorporating many traditional customs associated with the usual on-campus commencement exercises including the opening processional to “Pomp and Circumstance,” the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, the official conferring of graduate and undergraduate academic degrees, and the turning of tassels on the graduates’ caps.

“I’m pleased to announce Kim Boswell as commissioner for the Alabama Department of Mental Health,” said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. “She has spent the entirety of her professional career devoted to helping struggling individuals and I appreciate her willingness to serve in this new capacity. Her background as a mental health provider as well as administrator makes her uniquely qualified.”

Margaret Atwood wrote in The Penelopiad, “Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall; it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing, in the end, can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child. Remember, you are half water. If you can't go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does.” Therefore, it is appropriate that Pamela W.

The FSU College of Social Work (CSW) celebrated its 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award and Student Scholarship recipients through a virtual event on Thursday, November 5, 2020. The event was hosted by Dean Jim Clark and faculty members who serve on the college’s Student Affairs Committee.

The event honored 90 outstanding student scholars. Scholarship awards, totaling more than $97,000, were given in support of CSW students, including those studying international programs, child welfare, social policy, and veterans.

The five CSW Alumni Award recipients included: