The College of Social Work is delighted to honor five exceptional alumni who have left an impressive mark on social work practices. Their leadership and dedication to advancing the profession have earned them the college’s highest honors.

Aaron White is the recipient of the Emerging Leader Award for his commitment to community-based social work and advocacy. The award recognizes recent alumni who are already making exceptional contributions to social work and who personify the principles and values of the profession. 

A native of Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina and a USC MSW graduate, White is dedicated to breaking social barriers and expanding access to resources. As founder and executive director of the Circle of Life Foundation, he provides mentorship, educational support and mental health services to underserved communities. His leadership extends to child welfare reform, veteran support and political advocacy, demonstrating a passion for creating lasting, systemic change in his community.

Recipient of the Military Excellence Award, veteran

Willie Cook

Cook’s focus on supporting military personnel within Columbia’s Veterans’ Administration system has significantly bettered South Carolina veterans and their families. His contributions as a Housing and Urban Development/Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing Social Worker and commitment to serving Veterans with stable and affordable housing have garnered widespread respect within the social work and military communities.

Alumna Treca DeShields, an advocate for children and families, is one of two recipients of the Alumni Excellence Award. This award honors social work graduates who have made significant contributions to the profession.

A native of Clinton, SC, DeShields founded non-profits Save Our Youth Choir, the Future Leader Center for Development and the Love Zone Ministry, all which partner with community organizations to support children and families. Along with being a team leader for the SC Department of Mental Health IPS/SED program, she is also an author and serves on the board of Foothill Community Health Care Clinic.

Janis Hillman, also honored with the Alumni Excellence award, earned a BS in sociology from the University of South Carolina and began her career at Bryan Psychiatric Hospital. She later returned to USC to earn her MSW, launching her social work career in a clinic supporting women experiencing high-risk pregnancies. She went on to serve as the Director of Counseling and Education at Planned Parenthood before transitioning to school social work, where she spent 30 years with the Richmond County Board of Education.

Businessman Mike Dubose is the recipient of the Change Maker Award. Graduates who exemplify excellence in service, leadership, advocacy and professional achievement are honored for their contributions.

A native of Darlington, South Carolina, Dubose earned degrees in psychology and an MSW from USC in 1979. He worked for several state agencies and served under former Governor Dick Riley while directing political campaigns. In 1986 he founded Research Associates and the Evaluation Group to train 25,000 people nationwide in grant writing and administration and has worked as a USC College of Social Work adjunct professor.

"The College takes immense pride in celebrating the remarkable achievements of our outstanding award winners," said Dean Teri Browne. "Their exceptional leadership continues to inspire and positively influence our state and social work community."

Through their leadership, these outstanding alumni exemplify the values of social work and continue to make a meaningful impact within their communities. The College of Social Work is proud to recognize their achievements and contributions to the profession.