CSW General

September 15 through October 15 marks the observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the unique history, diverse cultures, beautiful traditions, and rich contributions of Hispanic Americans whose heritage has roots in Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Enacted into law in August 1988, the month is celebrated over 30 days to recognize the number of Central American countries that achieved independence in September and October, including Costa Rica, Guatemala and Honduras.

Dean Springer kicked off the new academic year this month with an off-site faculty and staff college retreat, highlighting important milestones and successes in his State of the College address. He showcased his Vision for the College and the promising season ahead for our entire community. “In alignment with our core values,” reflected Dean Springer, “our college has a critical role to play in promoting a civil society through our collective action.”

The FSU College of Social Work is introducing a new role to the college – poet-in-residence. Dean David Springer has assigned this role to Dr. Nicholas Mazza, emeritus dean and professor.

In this voluntary role, Dr. Mazza will facilitate opportunities with the FSU CSW community to benefit from the arts, particularly the written word, to enhance social work education and practice.

Katisa Donaldson (MSW 2000, BSW 1999) is in her fifth year as chairperson and director of the MSW Program at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University's (FAMU) Department of Social Work.

"I enjoy being able to help our BSW and MSW students," she shared, "along with supporting FAMU's College of Social Sciences, Art and Humanities (CSSAH) and our local and surrounding communities. But I wouldn't be this successful without the support of my colleagues and Dr. Valencia E. Matthews, dean of CSSAH."

The FSU Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Consulting Center (MDC), welcomed Dr. Shannon Bennett as the new director and Ms. Alicia Nohle as the new assistant director.  The MDC offers diagnostic and consultation services for children with complex medical, educational, emotional, and behavioral problems, as well as support for families, educators, and school personnel. The MDC is one of six university-based centers across the state of Florida and serves 20 school districts across the panhandle.

Dr. Carol Campbell Edwards, an associate teaching professor and director of the BSW and Professional Development Programs at the College of Social Work, serves as the National Association of Social Workers Board Director for Region VII, serving Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

The FSU Institute for Family Violence Studies at the College of Social Work is thrilled to share its new name, the FSU Institute for Trauma and Resilience Studies (ITRS).

“This change more accurately reflects the duality of our research and projects in maltreatment and well-being. The new name is also more closely aligned with our robust and multidisciplinary professional development curricula on FSU Learn,” said ITRS Director Karen Oehme.

“Early parenthood is associated with risk factors for both the mother and child and involvement in foster care amplifies these challenges,” stated Esaa Mohammad Sabti Samarah, a doctoral candidate at the FSU College of Social Work.

A recent study in the Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal by Esaa and Professor Melissa Radey and Associate Professor Shamra Boel-Studt at the FSU College of Social Work examined the roles of formal and informal support for mothers aging out of maternity group homes as their young families face a variety of complex challenges.

“My earliest memories are connected to exploring the little patch of nature in my backyard,” recalled Kathleen McIntyre, an MSW student in the Online MSW Program at the FSU College of Social Work.

Researchers at the Florida State University College of Social Work are expanding their work in criminal justice settings to offer trauma-based behavioral health programming to youth 21 and under in adult jail settings.