Faculty & Research

2015 Spring Convocation celebrates the newest crop of social workers

The FSU College of Social Work held its annual Spring Convocation on May 1, 2015 for its Class of 2015 graduates at the Oglesby Union Ballroom on the FSU main campus. A record number of people, more than 700, were in attendance to celebrate the newest group of BSW, MSW and Ph.D. social work graduates. Dean Nick Mazza presided as Master of Ceremonies for his last convocation, before retiring in the fall. Convocation’s Keynote Speaker was alumna, Dr.

Samantha Spiers receives University Undergraduate Advising Award

Alumna Samantha (“Sam”) Spiers (BSW, 2012; MSW, 2014) had never considered a career in advising, but the previous BSW advisor and alumna Lisa Burgos (BSW, 2009 ; MSW, 2010) in Sam the same passion for helping people, especially students. “Little did she know how much I would love advising students,” Sam joked when reminiscing about applying for the position. But, Sam has excelled in her role as BSW advisor for the FSU College of Social Work.

Dr. Machelle Madsen Thompson honored with the Ralph Stair Prize in Innovative Education

Dr. Machelle Madsen Thompson, an FSU College of Social Work adjunct professor and alumna, was honored for her efforts in teaching on April 27, 2015 at the FSU Faculty Awards Dinner. Machelle received the biennial Ralph Stair Prize in Innovative Education for her inventive assignments in social work that aid students in better understanding the impact of living in poverty.

College of Social Work honors distinguished alumni and student scholarship recipients

The Florida State University College of Social Work celebrated with alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and students at the annual Student Scholarship and Distinguished Alumni Dinner on September 10, 2015, at the FSU Alumni Association. Dean Jim Clark and faculty member Rosalyn Deckerhoff presided over the ceremony, which included words of gratitude and inspiration from MSW student Rachel Mack. A majority of the 57 social work scholarship recipients at the BSW, MSW and Ph.D. level were in attendance to receive recognition.

FSU Professor Named Fellow of American Psychological Association

Florida State University researcher Amy L. Ai, has been selected as a fellow of the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Division 56, Trauma Psychology.

Ai, a professor in the College of Social Work, has been elevated to fellow status based on her unusual and outstanding contributions with national or international impact in the area of trauma psychology.