2020 News Archive

Beginning a Social Work Career Amid a Pandemic

All college graduates in 2020 faced unique challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But one alum can attest that the unusual circumstances did not stop her from moving to Florida and beginning her social work career.

School Social Workers and Resources for Families During COVID-19

COVID-19 has prevented school social workers from providing face-to-face services to students and families. A greater emphasis has now been placed on school districts and their websites to deliver resources, especially those related to mental health.

Christopher Selected for Field Education Mentorship Program

Alum and Field Education Coordinator Rebecca Christopher will participate in a program as a Field Research Scholar to enrich her knowledge and skills in field education research.

MSW Student Spotlight: Andrea Ulloa Sandoval

Andrea Ulloa Sandoval, MSW '22, witnessed first-hand the needs of the poor and disadvantaged while growing up in the South American nation of Ecuador. Her past experiences influenced her decision to pursue a social work career.

Alum Advocates for Healthier Communities by Ensuring Citizens Voices are Heard

Kate Stigberg developed her passion for activism at the College of Social Work. Now living in Colorado, she leads campaigns for proposed policies aimed at improving access and healthy outcomes for individuals and communities.

Alum Utilizes Non-Verbal Play Therapy to Help Children Express Their Feelings

Children sometimes communicate best through non-verbal expressions. One alum utilizes play and sand tray therapies and has developed books and resources for therapists to best help children.

Lopez-De Fede Receives Prestigious Public Health Award

Ana Lopez-De Fede from the college's Institute for Families in Society was recently recognized for her efforts to quality assurance and improvements in health care.

College of Social Work Helps Develop One Student's Passion for Counseling and Mental Health

Krissy Blackburn's opportunities to lead individual and group sessions to help others improve their mental health at her field education placements has provided her with valuable experiences for a future career as a therapist.

Field Placement Provides an Opportunity to Change Negative Thoughts and Assumptions

MSW student Bezawit Seyoum was unsure going into her field placement earlier this year at a local nonprofit that works to build trust between police and the community. But listening and learning more about the police has changed her initial opinions.

How Social Workers Can Transform Individuals and Communities to Combat Climate Change

Global climate change continues to have negative effects on the environment, such as warmer temperatures and a rise in sea level. But one alum is working to help limit the effects of climate change and training social workers on how they can advocate and improve conditions for their constituents.

Xu Examines Grandparent-Headed Kinship Families Dealing with Material Hardships and Stress During COVID-19

Assistant Professor Yanfeng Xu is leading research into studying an often-overlooked family dynamic and how their mental health and other negative factors are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students Work to Increase Participation in Election 2020 Through Voter Outreach

Since this summer, some College of Social Work students have been working tirelessly to inform and advocate on the importance of voting in the upcoming election.

College of Social Work to Host Two Virtual Events Featuring Bestselling Author Ibram Kendi

New York Times bestselling author Ibram X. Kendi, one of the leading antiracist voices in the country, will be the focus of two upcoming virtual events.

MSW Student Takes the Long Way to the College of Social Work

Quinn Brandt's athletic success in the sport of equestrian took her from Canada to New Mexico and finally South Carolina. But it was not until she was in the Palmetto State that Brandt discovered how social work could incorporate her interest in mental health.

Sharing Personal Mental Health Experiences to Help Others

Senior Jenna Cameron has become an advocate for supporting fellow students who are dealing with mental health issues. Her own experiences have given her a better perspective to help and encourage others.

Alum Provides Programs for Children Who Have Experienced Homelessness

Laura Stokes is regularly impressed by the resiliency of the children she serves at the local nonprofit Homeless No More. It's the children's positive attitude and excitement that makes her job enjoyable.

MSW Student Turns Obstacles and Adversities into Success

Amanda Brown has faced difficult situations throughout her life. But she has never given up or lost sight of her goal of becoming a social worker and being an inspiration to others facing their own struggles.

MSW Student Takes Initiative in Seeking Local Police Reform

Andrea Ferree is working with a local organization to compile research and advocate for how police officers and social workers can operate together, especially in non-violent situations.

BSW Student-Athlete Joins Teammates in Speaking Out Against Racial Injustices

Junior Samantha Chang and her women's soccer teammates have been using their platform to make sure people know where they stand on racial issues facing the country.

BSW Student Serves as Co-Host for Hear Me Out Podcast

A podcast that focuses on mental health is the perfect platform for Whitney Garland to share her passion and experiences.

Betty Wilson Awarded Fellowship to Help Increase Faculty Diversity

Ph.D. candidate Betty Wilson was recently named the recipient of a fellowship that will help her complete her dissertation and prepare her for a future career in academia.

Keeping Families Resilient and Helping Them Find Tools and Resources to Succeed

As a school year filled with uncertainties begins, alumna Caitlin Matthews knows she will continue to help families and their children stay resilient and overcome trauma or other difficult circumstances.

Providing Resources to Help Students Best Succeed Inside and Outside the Classroom

MSW student Emilee Edwards always saw herself working in a classroom. But instead of teaching, she aspires to provide resources to students that she would never been able to furnish as a teacher.

Robert Hock Uses Sabbatical in Australia to Focus on Autism Research

Associate Professor had the opportunity to see research and service delivery systems from a different perspective, and work with colleagues in Australia during his sabbatical earlier this year.

Social Work Helps Create Friendships in Virginia and Maintained in South Carolina

Three Master of Social Work students became friends through the social work undergraduate program at James Madison University. Their friendship remained intact as they began graduate studies together at the College of Social Work.

Alumna Oversees the Essential Tasks of Hospital Social Workers

Katherine Watts, MSW '01, staff of hospital social workers are on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic and are often the only connection between a patient and their family.

Candice Morgan Named Greenville Site Coordinator

Instructor Candice Morgan will take on new responsibilities of coordinating all operations and activities at the college's Greenville Master of Social Work site.

Homeless Populations Influence One Student's Social Work Path

A three-week summer internship last year during her undergraduate studies helped Advanced Standing student Raven Martin find her passion in preparing for a future social work career.

Faculty/Staff Spotlight: Bailey King

Bailey King, MSW '18, has worked on several research projects as a program coordinator. While she is passionate about increasing community access to vital health information and resources, she has several interests away from campus and her research.

COVID-19 Forces Transition from In-Person to Virtual Therapy Sessions

Maintaining good mental health can be difficult for some in these unprecedented times. But alumna Lakia Downs has successfully made the transition from in-person to teletherapy sessions for her clients.

Three Faculty Members Earn Tenure Promotion

The College of Social Work is pleased to announce that three faculty members have been promoted from assistant to associate professors.

Alumna's First Job Experiences During Unprecedented Times

When Shelby Thornhill graduated with her Master of Social Work degree last May, no one could have predicted some of the unusual experiences in her professional and personal life.

DeHart Co-Authors Book on Exploring Criminalization and Incarceration of Women and Girls

Professor Dana DeHart has applied her research and journal publications on the incarceration of women and girls to a new book.

McRell and Wilson Named Co-Winners of Doctoral Student Award

Ph.D. candidates Amanda Stafford McRell and Betty Wilson were recently recognized for their work and research in the doctoral program.

Honoring the Legacy of a Pioneer in Art Education and Therapy

The College of Social Work was the easy choice when alumna Faison Covington wanted to honor her aunt. Not only did her aunt introduce finger painting to the United States as an art education medium, but she also used her talents as a form of therapy.

Faculty/Staff Spotlight: Michelle Scott

You may not see Michelle Scott too often at the College of Social Work. But she remains busy by serving as an instructor and coordinating the college's Greenville site.

Alumna Ensures COVID-19 Does Not Interrupt Client Services

COVID-19 has not stopped executive director Kimberly Tissot, MSW '07, and her staff at Able South Carolina to provide their normal services, even though they are now virtual.

Message from the Interim Dean

The past few months have been quite challenging for our nation. In our college, we must continue to address major social problems.

Faculty Receive Funding for Research on Immigrant-Serving Organizations During COVID-19

Professors Ben Roth and Bongki Woo will utilize an internal funding grant to study how specific organizations are serving immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Strong Bond of Friendship Through Support and Encouragement

Caroline Ambrose and Erin Woods first met in middle school and immediately became friends. Their friendship has continued through high school, and the social work bachelor's and master's programs. While distance may soon separate them, their friendship is everlasting.

Amirah Cotton Named MSW Student of the Year

Knowing when to ask for help, self-care and a strong support system are a few of the keys to success for graduating MSW student Amirah Cotton.

Owens Selected for Prestigious Emerging Leaders Program

Leadership training, research and networking will be part of Assistant Professor Shaun Owens participation in a prestigious program.

MSW/MPH Student Participates in Experiential Learning Program

Dual degree student Allie Silverman has a better understanding of interprofessional healthcare after participating in the UofSC Quality Improvement Education and Systems Training program.

MSW Spotlight: Alexandria Devonish

Social workers are needed in numerous areas of society and graduating student Alexandria Devonish wants to utilize her skills and education in the criminal justice and corrections fields.

BSW Award Winner: Tomeka Pryor

Interacting with diverse populations is common for social workers, and Tomeka Pryor credits the College of Social Work with providing a better understanding of diversity and inclusion.

BSW Award Winner: Mairead Peters

The opportunity to help others led Mairead Peters to the social work program, and her opportunities and accomplishments have her well-prepared for achieving her career aspirations.

BSW Award Winner: Ansley Hagenburger

Overcoming obstacles, placing the spotlight on others and helping vulnerable populations are just some of the qualities for UofSC Outstanding Senior Ashley Hagenburger.

BSW Award Winner: Abigail Crawford

Abigail Crawford's service to others is evident through her work on campus and in the community.

Alumna Recognized for Leadership and Positive Community Impact

Through advocating for policy and working with community leaders, Chynna Phillips, MSW, MPH '18, is dedicated to ensuring a positive future for Columbia and the Midlands region.

MSW Spotlight: Destiny Asby

Advanced Standing student Destiny Asby is not only passionate about her future social work career but also making sure people understand the variety of opportunities within the field.

Alumna Continues Advocacy Efforts During the Coronavirus

The coronavirus has not stopped Teresa Arnold and her staff and volunteers at AARP SC from continuing their responsibilities of serving individuals and communities.

Hitting the Bottom Before Rising to the Top

During these difficult times of the COVID-19 outbreak, MSW student Laura Browning's comeback story is inspiration for anyone who has hit a low point in their life.

A Desire to Help Others Leads One Student to the MSW Program

MSW Advanced Standing student Hayley Graff realized her assumptions about social work were incorrect during her undergraduate studies. She has turned those misconceptions into preparing for a career of helping improve the lives of individuals.

Using Art as a Road to Recovery

Even though the COVID-19 outbreak forced the cancellation of the "Masked Faces of Recovery" exhibit, the creativity of students in Gamecock Recovery can inspire anyone to use art as a form of self-care, especially in today's world of stay-in-place orders and quarantines.

Using Personal Experiences to Advocate for Affordable Housing

MSW student Savannah Baker shared her passion and advocacy for affordable housing at a Habitat for Humanity International Conference in Washington last month.

Maas' Journey To, From and Back to the Center for Child and Family Studies

From student, graduate assistant, professor and now director of the Center for Child and Family Services, Carl Maas has come full circle at the College of Social Work.

MSW Student Aspires to Help Veterans with Mental Health Needs

The combination of classroom studies and her field placement at a VA clinic is preparing Carin Cushenberry for a military-related career in social work.

Owens Selected as a 40 Under 40 Leader in Health

Assistant Professor Shaun Owens has been named to a prestigious list of honorees who are committed to reducing health disparities.

Andrews Participates in Panel on the Opioid Epidemic

Associate Professor Christina Andrews was on a panel last week in Washington to discuss America's opioid epidemic.

An MSW Student's Social Work Journey

Yami Ardab had already experienced several journeys in her life before embarking on her latest venture to earn her Master of Social Work degree.

Pitner Appointed Interim Dean

Associate Dean for Curriculum Ronald Pitner has been named interim dean of the College of Social Work.

BSW Student Spotlight: Tamiah Anderson

Tamiah Anderson's undergraduate classroom and field education experience is giving her the opportunity to be well-prepared for graduate studies and a fulfilling social work career.

How Social Work and Politics Can Work Together to Solve Pressing Issues

Thanks to her graduate studies and field placements, Mary-Stuart Tinkler now has a better understanding of the connections between social work and politics.

Two Ph.D. Candidates Awarded SPARC Grants

Doctoral candidates Brittany Davis and Mariah Moran were recently awarded internal grants to help support and promote their research.

How a Passion for Mental Health Led to Social Work Graduate Studies

MSW student Katie Totten had never previously considered studying social work. But she has discovered how her passion for mental health is a perfect fit for the social work profession.

Kim Aims to Improve the Well-Being of Low-Income Families and Children

Assistant Professor Jaeseung Kim received a research grant award to study the low participation rate of low-income families receiving child care subsidies.

Lunch Break Idea Leads to Nationally Known Facebook Group

A simple idea during one of alumna Bodequia Simon's lunch breaks has become an online and in-person space for networking, self-care, empowerment and more.

Xu Experiences First SSWR Annual Conference as a Professor

Assistant Professor Yanfeng Xu was a regular attendee at the SSWR Annual Conference as a doctoral student. But her experiences were different this year while attending for the first time as a professor.

MSW Student Takes Advantage of Her Passion for Research

Rachel Carlson was impressed by the research occurring at the College of Social Work when she was looking at graduate schools. Today, she is contributing to research activities at the college.

Iachini Selected as 2020 SSWR Fellow

Associate Professor Aidyn Iachini will be recognized at the SSWR 2020 Annual Conference for her achievements and contributions.

Student Spotlight: William Weaver

Bachelor of Social Work student William Weaver is not your traditional undergraduate student. But he is proof that a bachelor's degree is not just for students in their early 20's.

College of Social Work Presentations: SSWR 2020 Annual Conference

College of Social Work faculty and staff will be well-represented at the SSWR 2020 Annual Conference in Washington.

College of Social Work