Alumni & Friends

Mallory Adams was interested in politics and policy even as an undergraduate at Southeastern University. She was set to take her LSATs and apply to law school when her thesis advisor, both a social worker and attorney, pointed out how congruent her interests were with the field of social work.

"She was, of course, totally right. I am so thankful for her advice," she recollected. "I was drawn to social work due to the wide variety of practice areas and diverse roles through which social workers champion for change in their communities."

Kyra Adams (MSW 2012, BSW 2007) knew she wanted to work with mothers and babies even when beginning her journey in higher education. While at Tallahassee Community College she learned about majors that would allow her to make a difference in the lives of mothers and babies and recalls that social work just made sense as the best option to create change.

Growing up in a military family, Tyron Slack, a doctoral candidate at FSU, traveled internationally at an early age and became familiar with fitting into new settings and cultures. His immediate family played a strong role in helping him feel stable and supported during these stressful transitions. He stayed close to home and family while completing his undergraduate degree at  Southeastern Louisiana University in psychology, but with a sincere desire to understand and help people in a meaningful way.

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. Albright is a university distinguished professor and Hill Crest Foundation Endowed Chair in Mental Health Research at the University of Alabama School of Social Work.