Alumni & Friends

Alumni Association Networking Group: Social Work Alumni Group

In collaboration with the FSU Alumni Association, the FSU College of Social Work established a new networking opportunity for social work alumni, known as the Social Work Alumni Group (SWAG). The vision is to connect College of Social Work alumni for networking and outreach initiatives.

Interest in the creation of an alumni networking group began in early 2018 as the College celebrated 100 years of social work at Florida State.  Seeing a need for a way to celebrate the legacy at FSU with the need to connect with graduates of all ages, the SWAG group was created.

FSU Social Work Alumna Shalay Jackson Joins Faculty

“My passion for social work began here,” Dr. Shalay Jackson (BSW, 2006) said emphatically about her experiences as a social work student at FSU. “I was challenged, supported, and inspired by a compassionate faculty, staff, students, and alumni community." Dr. Jackson received her BSW and MSW degrees and later her Doctor of Public Health degree from the University of South Florida. 

CSW Arts & Athletics Camp Inspires Students to Succeed for Seventh Year

This year was the seventh annual College of Social Work Arts & Athletics Camp. The Camp utilizes arts and athletics to introduce local middle school aged youth, ages 11-14, to the university environment and encourage them to pursue higher education. This program aims to enhance leadership development, grow confidence in academic achievement, socialization, and other life skills for young adults living in the local community, including those with limited social and economic opportunity.

Alumna Pat Lager and the Establishment of FSU Social Work International Programs

International Programs at the FSU College of Social Work began with efforts of one faculty member, Patricia (Pat) Lager (MSW, 1983, BA 1967). Pat transitioned from work in the areas of mental health and child welfare education, teaching at Florida A&M University before being hired by [then] Dean Ray Bardill. “I graduated from FSU, so I’ve always loved this university and the College of Social Work. It’s a passionate program,” Pat related about taking on her first academic role at FSU as a part-time field faculty placing students in their internships.

100 Years Celebration: Student Reflections

In the hours leading up to the 100 years celebration, I was incredibly nervous but excited. A college that I’m a part of is celebrating 100 years of dedication and achievement to students, social work education and profession. From the excellence of my curriculum to the academic opportunities provided by the college, I understood how noteworthy and important this celebration was too many. I was the only student attending that was speaking in front of my professors and other distinguished social work alumni.