Aaron Guest is a long way from Columbia, SC. His path to Associate Professor for Social Work at Arizona State University is a journey through several states and programs, but he remains loyally connected to UofSC. Guest and fourteen other alumni recently volunteered as members of the College of Social Work’s new Alumni Advisory Board, a group that will serve as a sounding board for the college.  

Primary duties for the new board include input on social events, professional development and alumni community service. Members will advise on opportunities that keep alumni connected to UofSC and to each other, serving as a think-tank on the alumni experience.   

Social Work’s Director of Alumni Relations Ja Nae Epps sees it as a chance for alumni to speak up and enhance their beyond-graduation engagement with the college.  

“The Alumni Advisory Board was formed to serve as a voice for all alumni. We want to ensure that the college provides services and opportunities that meet the wide and varied wishes of our graduates.” 

The inaugural board is currently assisting with Homecoming 2022 and will provide recommendations on policies, events and continuing education for alumni, including the reestablished alumni awards. Each member will serve a two-year term.  

Dean Teri Browne is excited about the potential impact of the new board. 
“We welcome our alumni to participate on the new advisory board as it will play an important role in the College to help inform us on current social work practice trends and training needs of our students and alumni. It’s also a great way for the College to remain connected to our alumni and stay informed on the great work that they do,” said Browne. “We consider our alumni a very important part of the College community, and hope more alumni get involved!”