Alumni & Friends

FSU social work development director wins local award in non-profit leadership

FSU College of Social Work Development Director Colette Podgorski has been awarded The Tallahassee Network of Young Professionals’ “20 under 40” Golden A.C.E. Award for 2016 in the category of Non-Profit leadership.  The Tallahassee Network of Young Professionals selected finalists from more than 130 applications to recognize outstanding contributions to the community at the 2016 Golden A.C.E.

FSU social work dean discusses Orlando shootings

Counseling is critical in the aftermath of Orlando shootings

James Clark, dean of the College of Social Work at Florida State University, has been in Orlando where the state chapter of the National Association of Social Work is meeting. The setting puts him right in the middle of the aftermath of one of the worst cases of mass shootings in the country.

Beyond the criminal investigation, there is the huge responsibility to address the needs of the families affected by the 49 deaths.

College of Social Work successfully concludes its 5th annual Arts & Athletics Camp

In June 2016, twenty-two middle school-aged youth participated in the fifth annual Arts & Athletic Camp, sponsored by the Florida State University College of Social Work. Five MSW students served as camp counselors and worked with partners across the university to expose the youth to various forms of art, activities, and sports, in an effort to increase their self-esteem and confidence, thereby promoting positive youth development. An additional goal of the camp is to expose the youth to college and to promote post-secondary education.

BSW student receives scholarship from American Addictions Center’s 2016 Behavioral Health Academic Scholarship Program

American Addictions Center (AAC) announced the recipients of its 2016 Behavioral Health Academic Scholarship Program. Among the winners was FSU College of Social Work BSW student Samantha Ferrara (third place). Ferrara and second place winner, Patricia Francois an MSW student at Columbia University, will each receive $2,500. First place winner Rhonda Kelly, a master’s student in clinical mental health counseling at University of Colorado at Denver will receive $5,000.

Florida Institute for Child Welfare launches resource-rich child welfare website

The Florida Institute for Child Welfare (FICW, Institute) was created in June 2014 to conduct research, policy analysis, and program evaluation of child protection and child welfare services. In November 2016, the FICW introduced its new website, ficw.fsu.edu, to assist child welfare policymakers and stakeholders access current research.

Guest seminar addresses the notion of “hate” with social work faculty and students

A group of FSU College of Social Work students and faculty enjoyed a transdisciplinary conversation and seminar on the topic of hate. Dr. Lawrence (Larry) J. Friedman, currently a teacher at Harvard University and an emeritus professor of history and philanthropic studies from Indiana University, led the discussion.  Dr.

FSU College of Social Work celebrates distinguished alumni, student scholars

Florida State University College of Social Work’s best and brightest gathered Thursday, Sept. 29 for an evening celebrating five distinguished graduates for their significant accomplishments and contributions to the field of social work. Sixty-five social work scholarship recipients also were honored for their academic achievement.