Alumni & Friends

A Florida State University professor is paving the way for social workers, psychologists and transplant teams across the country to increase the quality of life for children who have received organ transplants.

Assistant Professor of Social Work Michael Killian has published a new study that takes a step back and examines current data related to assessment tools for pediatric organ transplant recipients to improve these children’s quality of life and ensure a successful transplant.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Shevaun Harris (MSW, 2004; BA, 2002) to serve as the secretary for the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Harris will replace DCF Secretary Chad Poppell.

Carol Campbell Edwards, a proud FSU College of Social Work graduate (MSW, 1985; BSW, 1984) and faculty member, was appointed as the new director of the BSW Program and Professional Development office at the college after the retirement of faculty member Pam Graham MacDill. Carol stepped into her roles starting in January 2020.

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.