Jennifer Bosio-McArdle has taken on a new role as the College of Social Work's Interim BSW Program Director. With a wealth of experience and passion for social work education, Bosio-McArdle will oversee the undergraduate program and its curriculum. She will also administer the SC Department of Social Services’ BSW scholarships. further enhancing the university’s commitment to nurturing future social work professionals. Her leadership promises to bring fresh perspectives and continued excellence to the program.
Bosio-McArdle joined the college as a clinical faculty member in 2022. She teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses, providing leadership for the BSW capstone course and undergraduate generalist practice courses focused on organizations and communities. With 13 years of experience as a member of the field education team, she served as the Assistant Director of Field Education from 2018 to 2021 and as the MSW Field Placement Coordinator from 2008 to 2018. She has also been honored multiple times as the BSW Educator of the Year.
Bosio McArdle’s dedication to field education extends beyond the classroom. Since 2010 she has supervised over 15 social work students as an offsite field instructor and served as a field liaison for more than 150 students in their field practicum organizations across North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
“The College is delighted to have Jennifer, an experienced Gamecock alumna, leading our BSW program,” said Dean Teri Browne. “Her expertise and innovative approach to social work education will enrich our students' learning experiences and also reinforce our commitment to fostering future social work professionals.”
Before joining the college, Bosio McArdle worked in a residential treatment facility and a program in Connecticut, assisting adults with mental illness and substance use disorders. She also served as a case manager for adults with developmental disabilities. Bosio-McArdle holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Elms College in Chicopee, MA, and is a graduate of the university’s MSW program.
“I am excited for the opportunity to serve as the Interim Undergraduate Program Director,” said McArdle. “I am committed to advancing the mission of the BSW program and promoting excellence and innovation in the student learning experience.”
We caught up with McArdle to find out more about her vision for the college’s undergraduate program.
What are your primary goals for the BSW program next year?
I am excited to collaborate with our dynamic faculty, staff and students to support curriculum enhancement initiatives that reflect our student-centered approach, focusing on holistically supporting the diverse learning and professional development needs of our undergraduate students.
How do you plan to enhance the curriculum to better prepare students for the challenges in the social work field?
Building on the momentum of receiving the 2024 Provost’s Curriculum Improvement Award, I am eager to collaborate with our faculty, staff and students as we work to implement several new and innovative curriculum-centered and co-curricular initiatives, including new elective courses, simulated learning opportunities and community-based learning experiences.
What strategies do you envision implementing to increase student engagement and success within the BSW program?
A stand-out strength of our BSW program is unquestionably our high level of student engagement across the college, university and community. I look forward to supporting and enhancing student involvement in experiential and co-curricular learning opportunities, including community service events, social justice initiatives and study abroad programs that reflect the interests and professional goals of our BSW students.
What do you love about the undergraduate program?
With over 10 years of experience in undergraduate teaching, I have had the privilege of working with diverse cohorts of students. What I find most rewarding is witnessing their progression from eager learners to competent professionals in the field of social work. It is incredibly gratifying to maintain relationships with our graduates, who often return as field instructors, adjunct faculty and guest lecturers, who play a crucial role in enriching the education of our undergraduate students.