Alumni & Friends

As Florida State University welcomed back students to campus in August, student organizations and their new leaders are faced with the fun challenge of reconnecting with their peers in person. The FSU College of Social Work is excited to profile the amazing students leading the FSU Student Association of Social Workers (SASW) and the FSU Macro Social Work Student Network (MSWSN) who have dedicated themselves to the busy and ambitious lineup of social, networking and education events for students in the College of Social Work and across campus.

A group of Florida State University researchers is bringing together experts from around the country for a one-day symposium focused on substance use disorder.

Social work student Merari Flores Saldana was awarded the 2021 Scholarship for Students of Color Pursuing Degrees in Mental Health by Mantra Health, a digital mental health clinic that partners with institutes of higher education. In her second year at Florida State University, Merari will graduate with her Master of Social Work with a clinical focus in spring 2022.

Florida State University has launched a new online professional development certification to assist educators with early childhood social and emotional behavioral support and interventions.

Family cohesion and regular religious attendance play a critical role in positive mental health outcomes for Asian Americans, according to new research from Florida State University.

As vice president for The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, Barbara develops and empowers leaders daily by serving the chamber as executive director of the Leadership Tallahassee program. Leadership Tallahassee is an organization dedicated to offering leadership opportunities and programs for professionals, high school juniors and community newcomers.

It is a common experience for young adults to struggle when they get to college. These struggles are often compounded for students who lack a support system, particularly first-generation students and children who become independent early in adulthood due to experiences in foster care or the child welfare system.

The Florida Institute for Child Welfare, housed in the Florida State University College of Social Work, will receive $10 million in recurring funding from the state budget, which Governor Ron DeSantis signed earlier this month.

Kathryn (Katie) Gerber (MSW, 2008; MPA 2008) has always had a passion for social justice. This natural interest in providing equal access to rights and opportunities drew her to social work early on. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Florida. Further interest in international work drew her to an opportunity to study abroad as an undergraduate to Valencia, Spain through Florida State University to gain a greater understanding of the Spanish language.

This spring, Florida State University inducted 236 undergraduate students into the Garnet and Gold Scholars Society.  Established in 2010, the society facilitates student involvement and recognizes undergraduate students who excel within and beyond the classroom in three of five areas: international experience, internship, leadership, research and service.