CSW General

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 advocate in their communities."

Years after Hurricane Michael devastated Florida’s Gulf Coast, residents of that area still struggle to overcome the trauma of the Category 5 storm. 

In a recent study, FSU researchers found that trauma and a host of psychosocial and physical challenges caused by Hurricane Michael disproportionately affect the region’s Black 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.

In September of 2022, the Center for the Study and Promotion of Communities, Families, and Children (CFC Center) at the FSU College of Social Work was awarded a two-year U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant funding the Southeast Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Center (ROTA-RC).

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.

In February 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson instituted the first weeklong celebration to educate and raise awareness about Black/African Americans’ contributions to American history. Prior to this time, very little information could be found regarding Black/African American history and important achievements were left out of history books. He chose February because it coincides with the birthdays of Fredrick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, two people that successfully campaigned for the end of slavery.

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.