School of Social Work News
MSU Social Work students launch resource hub for bilingual K-12 learners
April 23, 2024 - Brandon Drain
A group of Michigan State University School of Social Work students have built an online resource hub dedicated to enhancing accessibility for bilingual and Spanish speaking K-12 students and those seeking resources for them.
MSW alumna Bunny Berman reflects on a lifetime of service and learning
April 16, 2024 - Shelly DeJong and Brandon Drain
Studying both psychology and social work gave me a wide and varied perspective for my future career goals. I had an amazing education at Michigan State University and to this day, I am so grateful for it.
Michigan State University School of Social Work’s Outstanding Senior: Brianna McCray
April 9, 2024 - Brandon Drain
As a first-generation college student, and being raised in a single-parent household in Detroit, MI, McCray’s pathway as a social worker was riddled with hardship. Her early life was spent navigating economic deprivation which led to bouts of homelessness.
From adversity to advocacy: Maddi Mahar named 2024 NASW-Michigan Social Work Students of the Year
April 8, 2024 - Brandon Drain
Content Advisory: This article mentions suicide and mental health issues The Michigan State University School of Social Work would like to congratulate Maddi Mahar, a senior majoring in social work, on being named as one of the 2024 NASW-Michigan Social Work Students of the Year.
Student Spotlight: Rachel Harris
April 4, 2024
The highlight of my experience with this certificate has been watching my clients begin with high scores on their assessments for PTSD and depression, and then to finish the 12-week therapy model Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) not even meeting diagnostic threshold criteria for either PTSD or depression.
Student Spotlight: CaRynn Harris
April 4, 2024
The classes I took as part of the trauma certificate were the most directly applicable and interesting classes that I took in this program…learning Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) so early in my career has enabled me to help my clients more effectively.
MSU researchers are using storytelling to prevent youth violence and promote inclusivity
March 22, 2024 - Brandon Drain
The Michigan State University School of Social Work’s SPARK Research for Social Change lab (@SPARK4Change) is partnering with Safe Haven Ministries to evaluate Safe Haven’s Grow, Engage, Read, Imagine program (GERI): an initiative that utilizes books, from preschool through high school, promoting education and facilitating spaces so young people can have conversations about social norms, behaviors and boundaries in the Kent Country, MI area.
Reflecting on the legacy of MSU School of Social Work Professor Gary Anderson
February 27, 2024 - Brandon Drain
Gary Anderson served at the MSU School of Social Work for 25 years; 15 years as its director and another 10 years as a faculty member. Anderson developed and supported many innovative programs and projects, like the Community Programs, which continue today and allow the school to fulfill its service mission across the State of Michigan.
Diversity Spotlight: Rabbi Simon Stratford
January 26, 2024 - Emily Jodway
Simon Stratford is a proud alumnus of the College of Social Science and currently serves as the Associate Rabbi and Director of Lifelong Learning at Temple Sholom in Cincinnati, Ohio. While at Michigan State, Stratford earned a degree in Social Work and completed a minor in Jewish Studies through the Serling Institute. He is being honored as part of Holocaust Remembrance Day for his community efforts to educate and enrich the lives of Jewish individuals and family through prayer, ritual and togetherness.
Social Work students look to unmask how the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic affected immigrant women in Detroit
January 16, 2024 - Brandon Drain
The Provost’s Undergraduate Research Initiative (PURI) grant allows College of Social Science undergraduate students a unique opportunity to conduct transformative research – either one-on-one with a tenured faculty member, or part of a research team. This is a university-wide effort – spearheaded by The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Office at MSU – to provide all undergraduate students opportunities to engage in research, or creative activity throughout their education, regardless of their academic discipline or academic abilities. This year, the School of Social Work had three of its undergraduate students receive the award: Breanne Sandstorm, Jasmine Zavala Gonzalez, and Yasmen Alsuraimi.
2023 PURI grant recipient: Breanne Sandstorm
December 20, 2023 - Brandon Drain
The Provost’s Undergraduate Research Initiative (PURI) grant allows College of Social Science undergraduate students a unique opportunity to conduct transformative research – either one-on-one with a tenured faculty member, or part of a research team. This is a university-wide effort – spearheaded by The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Office at MSU – to provide all undergraduate students opportunities to engage in research, or creative activity throughout their education, regardless of their academic discipline or academic abilities. This year, the School of Social Work had three of its undergraduate students receive the award: Breanne Sandstorm, Jasmine Zavala Gonzalez, and Yasmen Alsuraimi.
Feeding the future: How an MSU Social Work student is fighting to end food insecurity on campus
November 10, 2023 - Brandon Drain
Today’s college students face a gauntlet of obstacles in their day-to-day lives. Managing classes, study sessions, part-times jobs and career planning. They do this all while trying to maintain a social life and juggling personal interests. Yet, for some, an even more daunting hurdle looms: food insecurity; the condition of not having access to sufficient food, or food of an adequate quality, to meet one's basic needs.
Empathy meets analytics: Bridging data, humanity and leadership in Chicago’s heartbeat
November 6, 2023 - Brandon Drain
In the heart of Chicago, where ambition and resilience intertwine, Dave Koch stands as a testament to how academic foundations can inspire community revolutions.
Empowering the future: MSU’s new era in African American research
October 16, 2023 - Brandon Drain
Since its inception in 1997, the Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research (MCUAAAR) has stood as a beacon for transformative research dedicated to the health and vitality of older African Americans. This collaborative platform unites three of Michigan’s top academic institutions: The University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and since 2018, welcoming Michigan State University into its fold.
Carla A. Pfeffer selected in the MSU Community Engaged Research Fellows Program
May 30, 2023 - Brandon Drain
MSU School of Social Work Associate Professor, Carla A. Pfeffer, has been chosen for participation in the 2023-24 Community Engaged Research Fellows Program -- a landmark achievement reflecting her commitment to advancing community-engaged research.
MSU Social Work student creates web platform to connect non-profits with corporate giving programs
May 9, 2023 - Brandon Drain
Michigan State University School of Social Work MSW student , James Rawson, has embarked on a project to connect non-profit organizations with corporate community giving programs. Rawson's project aims to create a centralized web-based platform that will make it easier for non-profits to identify and access funding opportunities in the mid-Michigan area.
Aubree Montie: The College of Social Science 2023 Matt Hansen Support Staff Award winner
May 1, 2023 - Brandon Drain
Aubree Montie, a member of the MSU School of Social Work, has been named the recipient of the College of Social Science Matt Hansen Support Staff Award. This award recognizes exemplary contributions of support staff members to the College and was first granted in 2020.
Michigan State University alumni creates library to foster education and break the cycle of poverty in Namibia
April 25, 2023 - Brandon Drain
Auguste Shikongo, an alumna of Michigan State University's School of Social Work, is on a mission to bring literacy and education to her home country of Namibia.
Heather McCauley: The College of Social Science 2023 Outstanding Teacher Award winner
April 12, 2023 - Brandon Drain
The College of Social Science awarded Heather McCauley, ScD, with the 2023 Outstanding Teacher Award. This award recognizes a current faculty member in the College who takes pride in and is committed to quality teaching, and who demonstrates substantial, continuing involvement in undergraduate education. Nominations are submitted by chairs and directors with input from current students.
The undertones of racism: MSU professor proposes a nuanced perspective on race that he hopes will unify the world
March 21, 2023 - Brandon Drain
One of the most prominent, empirically-based forms of evidence on racism can be linked to the oppression of dark-skinned races, according to Dr. Ronald E. Hall, professor at Michigan State University. This association of complexion and oppression, defined as colorism, has been dubbed a taboo subject of research in academia – which has led to, “A literature void that exceeds the context of traditional local race categories to permeate global borders,” Hall said.
Dean’s Research Associate Kendall Morris seeks to reduce community violence in Black communities within Detroit
January 24, 2023 - Brandon Drain
There are many underlying issues that plague Black communities. These range from economic deprivation, outright poverty, cyclical crime, systemic racism and more. However, none of those issues have the immediate and long-lasting impact as community violence – an issue that rips families apart, reshapes neighborhoods and communities, and creates a rippling effect from generation to generation, ensnaring families to relive traumas of the past.
Social Work in action: MSU MSW alum Q & A
January 18, 2023 - Brandon Drain
Brian Philson is a MSW alumnus who is now the president-elect of 2023 Board of Directors of the Association of Social Work Boards and is the president and CEO of Highfields, an $8.5 million human services nonprofit serving 11 counties in Michigan
MSU alumnus works towards bettering Native American communities and reflects on his career cultivation
January 11, 2023 - Brandon Drain
Deep within the heart of every social worker is the undying passion, drive and determination to help and advocate for others – regardless of the size and magnitude of the task. For Austin Lowes, his time at MSU strengthened this passion and helped focus and direct it on a broader level than micro-level social work.
Reconnecting the disconnected: MSU researchers work to combat social isolation and loneliness in older adults while bridging the gap in the digital divide
December 21, 2022 - Brandon Drain
Throughout the United States, there are older adults living alone, at risk of social isolation and emotional loneliness. One such group are recipients of home-delivered-meals, often delivered by Meals-on-Wheels programs operated by local community agencies.
MSU School of Social Work research team seeks to create equitable dementia care support to ethnic minorities in rural communities
December 15, 2022 - Brandon Drain
In-home dementia care provides those in need with the comfort, safety and assurance needed to properly age-in-place -- while being surrounded by their loved ones. Yet, this ideal reality for dementia patients runs into barriers.
Better Serving Combat Veterans
November 9, 2022
MSU’s Combat Veterans Certificate Program is the first of its kind and immerses students in military life and culture to better understand veterans they will work to help
MSU Social Work Associate Professors Smith-Darden & McCauley Receive $100,000 from the CDC for a Documentary Film on Community-Level Violence Prevention
August 31, 2022
MSU Social Work Associate Professors Smith-Darden & McCauley Receive $100,000 from the CDC for a Documentary Film on Community-Level Violence Prevention.
PhD Student Jennifer Hirsch wins Poster Award at 2022 SWHPN General Assembly
July 27, 2022
PhD Student Jennifer Hirsch wins Poster Award at 2022 Social Work Hospice and Palliative Care Network General Assembly.
Consortium on Sexual and Gender Minority Health grants its first Graduate Student Research Award
June 21, 2022 - Karessa Weir
MSU Social Work PhD student Lucas Prieto (he/him) has won the inaugural Graduate Student Research Award presented by the Consortium on Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Health.
Anna Maria Santiago named to Habitat for Humanity International Affordable Housing and Homeownership Research Advisory Council
June 6, 2022
Anna Maria Santiago named to Habitat for Humanity International Affordable Housing and Homeownership Research Advisory Council.
Social Work Major Emily Cohen Graduates with Perfect 4.0 GPA
May 4, 2022
BASW and Honors College student Emily Cohen graduates with perfect 4.0 GPA over her entire MSU academic career.
Research Spotlight Podcast with Hyunkag Cho
April 18, 2022
In this installment of our Research Spotlight podcasts, Dr. Angie Kennedy talks to Dr. Hyunkag Cho about his recent study, Concurrent Intimate Partner Violence: Survivor Health and Help-Seeking.
NASW-MI Students of the Year
April 8, 2022
BASW student, Emily Cohen, and MSW student, Sterling Bentley, were named the National Association of Social Workers, Michigan chapter, students of the year from Michigan State University.
Pilar Horner named President of Influencing Social Policy
March 1, 2022
Pilar Horner was recently named President of the non-profit organization Influencing Social Policy.
Michele Brock and Laura Hall discuss YELL in new Research Spotlight
February 28, 2022
Michele Brock and Laura Hall discuss Youth Engaged in Leading and Learning (YELL) in new Research Spotlight podcast with Angie Kennedy.
Steven Lindquist inducted into South Dakota Hall of Fame
February 24, 2022
MSW alumni Steven Lindquist was inducted into South Dakota Hall of Fame acknowledging his career in behavioral health.
Honoring Robert Little, A Spartan, Social Work Leader and Pioneer
February 21, 2022
Robert Little was an inspirational social work professor whose stories about leadership and life challenged social work students to address and challenge racism. The brother of Malcolm X, Robert Little, reflected his family’s commitment to social justice and advancing the well-being of the African American community and family.
Monica Villareal Receives the MSU GenCen Community Engagement Inspiration Award
February 17, 2022
Monica Villareal received her Master of Social Work degree with a specialization in Organizational and Community Leadership from Michigan State University and has since joined the faculty in the School of Social Work. Recently, Ms. Villareal received the MSU GenCen Community Engagement Inspiration Award for her tireless efforts serving her community of Flint, Michigan.
A spark worth igniting: How two MSU social scientists united in the fight against violence
January 7, 2022 - Liz Schondelmayer
Each of us has something we are passionate about, as well as the capacity to create meaningful change as individuals - but when we connect with like-minded people who share our convictions and drive to make a difference, that's when the magic is amplified.
Continuing Education Director Gina Tremonti Gembel Receives CIEG Grant
December 14, 2021
Continuing Education Director Gina Tremonti Gembel received a Creating Inclusive Excellence Grants (CIEG) at Michigan State University grant from the Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives.
Students Present Projects in Digital Scholarship Lab 360 Room
December 8, 2021
In the Digital Scholarship Lab 360 Room, social work seniors presented websites they created in SW 420: Social Work and Social Policy II on topics from the insufficiency of heroin treatment programs to immigration issues at the border.
Combat Veterans Certificate 5 Year Anniversary
December 2, 2021
The award-winning first class in the Combat Veterans Certificate, Embracing the Stories of War, has reached an important five-year milestone.
Research Spotlight Podcast Introduced
November 4, 2021
In October, the School of Social Work introduced the Research Spotlight podcast. Dr. Angie Kennedy, Associate Director for Research, interviewed Dr. Ashlee Barnes-Lee, a community psychologist and Dean’s Research Associate, about her research project, Combating the School-to-Prison Pipeline with Restorative Practices: A Mixed Methods Approach.
Anna Maria Santiago Receives the Association for Community Organization and Social Action 2021 Career Achievement Award
November 3, 2021
Dr. Anna Maria Santiago, Professor in the School of Social Work and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, College of Social Science, has been chosen as the recipient of the Association for Community Organization and Social Action (ACOSA) 2021 Career Achievement Award.
MSU Social Work receives full approval for School Social Worker instruction
October 28, 2021
The Michigan State University School of Social Work has received full approval from the Michigan Department of Education to provide School Social Worker preparatory instruction. The requirements can be met through our Continuing Education program for social workers that already have a Master of Social Work degree or through our MSW program for our current students.
Michigan State University School of Social Work and partner agencies receive $2.5 million federal grant
October 27, 2021
Michigan State University School of Social Work and partner agencies receive $2.5 million federal grant to implement new program to help kinship caregivers and foster parents provide best practices for children in foster care.
Elder Fraud Abuse Prevention Research Conducted in Manistee County
October 4, 2021
Dr. Fei Sun, a Professor in the School of Social Work at Michigan State University with the assistance of Social Work Doctoral Candidate Lucas Prieto and the rest of their team are providing the education, support, and skills needed to address risk factors for financial abuse of persons with dementia or mild cognitive decline living in the community.
MSU Social Work faculty McCauley and Smith-Darden receive a $1.6 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention focused on the primary prevention of child sexual abuse
September 24, 2021
Dr. Heather McCauley and Dr. Joanne Smith-Darden of the Michigan State University School of Social Work are Principal Investigators of a newly awarded $1.6 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Over four years, McCauley and Smith-Darden aim to strengthen the evidence base regarding the primary prevention of child sexual abuse through a community-engaged research partnership with Traverse Bay Children's Advocacy Center (TBCAC).
Jamie Kynn and Hannah Boyke receive research grant from the Center for Institutional Courage
September 14, 2021
Jamie Kynn and Hannah Boyke, PhD students in the School of Social Work, have been awarded a research grant from the Center for Institutional Courage.
Text-based communications effective in supporting sexual assault survivors
August 26, 2021 - Caroline Brooks
Only 16% of college student sexual assault survivors seek support through existing college channels. To expand access to services while providing guidance on how campuses nationwide can provide them, a team from Michigan State University launched and measured the use of a novel text-based communication service.
Dr. Carla A. Pfeffer is the new Director of the MSU Consortium for Sexual and Gender Minority Health
August 24, 2021
Dr. Carla A. Pfeffer is the new Director of the MSU Consortium for Sexual and Gender Minority Health.
Angie Kennedy Receives NIMHD Grant
August 18, 2021
Dr. Angie Kennedy and colleagues were recently awarded a research grant from the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities.
Diversity Champion: Michele Brock
August 10, 2021
Michele Brock is the Community Programs Director for the MSU School of Social Work. Describing her work as social justice in action, Michele oversees five of the school's social service programs: Chance at Childhood , Continuing Education , FAME , the Kinship Care Resource Center and Veterinary Social Work Services .
Social work training meets virtual reality
April 13, 2021 - Gary Anderson, PhD
To improve training, MSU School of Social Work engaged in a virtual reality training pilot project. Using a 23-minute virtual home visit, with real people and voice-activated conversations, trainees interviewed a mother, her boyfriend, and her 7-year-old daughter to assess risk of abuse and neglect.
Dr. Joanne Riebschleger honored for her outstanding research
April 7, 2021
The Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU) honored Dr. Joanne Riebschleger with the 2021 Outstanding Research Award.
Professional Social Worker Panel
March 21, 2021
To celebrate National Social Work Month, the MSU School of Social Work invites you to learn from and connect with four essential social workers across various professional areas.
Student Spotlight with Alexandra Etzin
March 5, 2021
What led you to the MSW program at Michigan State? I received my BA in Social Relations and Policy with an additional major in Psychology from MSU in 2019. When looking into graduate school I realized that Social Work is the perfect blend of my two undergrad majors. Getting an MSW would allow me to be a therapist (which is what I ultimately wanted) while also furthering my knowledge on social issues and policy work. I looked into MSU’s program, learned about the EBTT certificate program, and it seemed like a perfect match!
Shavonna Green awarded Commendation for Excellence in Community Engagement Scholarship
February 17, 2021
Shavonna Green, a graduate student in the Master of Social Work program, recently received the MSU Commendation for Excellence in Community Engagement Scholarship for her work on “Criminal Justice Reform: Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration.”
Cheryl Williams-Hecksel awarded Distinguished Academic Staff Award for 2021
February 3, 2021
The MSU School of Social Work is thrilled to announce that Cheryl Williams-Hecksel, Senior Clinical Instructor in the School since 2003, has been awarded the Michigan State University Distinguished Academic Staff Award for 2021.
Kathryn Irish Awarded Hazel and Karen Kiser Endowed Scholarship
January 18, 2021
Kathryn Irish Awarded Hazel and Karen Kiser Endowed Scholarship Fund for Returning Adult Students