Alumni & Friends

Florida State University will present the 2019 film, No Ordinary Love on Wednesday, February 21, 2023, to raise awareness about the dynamics and impact of domestic violence. The Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (DVCC) led the collaborative event in partnership with the Institute for Family Violence Studies at the FSU College of Social Work.

The film and Q&A will address the common question of, “Why don’t they just leave?” bringing to light the complexities behind why people do not, or cannot, leave abusive relationships.

Dr. Terriyln Rivers-Cannon stepped into the role of President of the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) on January 1, 2023. She is the first African American President of the organization in its history. She is well-known for her dedication to the social work profession, particularly in the school setting.

Shevaun Harris (MSW, 2004) is reappointed for a second term as Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) by Governor Ron DeSantis. As Secretary, Harris has focused on holistic care for families by working to integrate several systems and services.

Join the Florida Institute for Child Welfare (Institute) for Candidate Colloquiums. The Director Search Committee invited two candidates to participate in further interview activities and meet with staff, faculty and stakeholders. 

Even as a freshman at Florida State, Dylan McMahon was interested in being a counselor and working with adolescents on suicide prevention. Initially, a psychology major, a class presentation on volunteer opportunities with 2-1-1 Big Bend (2-1-1), a local crisis intervention and prevention organization, sparked his interest.

Dr. Evelyn Newman Phillips, a faculty member and chair of the Anthropology Department at Central Connecticut State University (CCSA), received the 2022 Distinguished Service Award, one of the university’s highest honors.

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes members of CCSA’s university community who provide exemplary service to the university over an extended period.

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs has appointed Dr. David L. Albright to the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans’ Rural Health Advisory Committee. Dr.

Chris Collins, a doctoral candidate with the FSU College of Social Work, will join the faculty of Salem State University starting the fall semester of 2023. As an assistant professor within the Maguire Meservey College of Health and Human Services School of Social Work, Chris will primarily focus on teaching macro social work courses focused on areas like policy, social work practice with organizations, forensic social work and research methods.

William (Bill) Kintz, a long-time teaching professor with the FSU College of Social Work served as the college’s Department of Children and Families Training Coordinator until his death on December 14, 2022. He worked in the social work field for more than 50 years.

Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bill earned his bachelor’s degree in 1970 from Saint Francis College and a master’s degree in social work from Indiana University in 1972. He began his social work career with Catholic Social Services/Catholic Charities in Indiana from 1972 until 1986.

As a young student at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Margaret Ashmore was inspired by President Jimmy Carter’s dedication to service and social programs. A test at the university’s career center confirmed her desire to serve others, leading to a degree in social work. At UNCG, Ashmore was mentored by her professor, Dr. Patricia Spakes. “It was Dr. Spakes and another beloved professor, Jerry Finn, who influenced and encouraged me to continue my education.”