The USF School of Social Work marked its 50th anniversary on March 24 with a celebration held during Social Work Appreciation Month that brought together faculty, students, alumni, and community partners at Centene corporate headquarters.
Hosted in partnership with the National Association of Social Workers Tampa Bay Unit and Sunshine Health, the celebration highlighted the deep connections between the school and the communities it serves.
For Chris Simmons, PhD, LCSW, director and associate professor of instruction in the School of Social Work, those connections are at the heart of the school鈥檚 success. He pointed to the partnerships between the School of Social Work and the community that create opportunities for students and expand what鈥檚 possible in their training and careers.
That impact was evident during a student panel facilitated by Chris Groeber, MSW, associate in research in the School of Social Work. Students shared stories of how the program has influenced their journeys, both professionally and personally.
For master鈥檚 student Naomi Presnall-Shvorin, the path to social work began with a leap of faith. After leaving a corporate career in her 40s, she returned to USF to pursue a calling in hospice and palliative care. Now in her field placement, she sees the value of the school鈥檚 long-standing partnerships firsthand.
"What stands out to me is that I'm getting incredible training from a partner agency that USF has had a very long relationship with and it shows in the kind of experience I'm having. The person knows that I have a learning plan I need to adhere to. But also, she understands that the kind of experience that I'm looking for is genuine and real and human," said Presnall-Shvorin.
For others, it鈥檚 the sense of community that leaves the strongest impression.
鈥淪omething that has been so unique at USF, in my experience, has been the people,鈥 said undergraduate student Tinesha Taulbee. 鈥淚t has been one of the most encouraging experiences I鈥檝e had so far. That鈥檚 what helps me be successful, just knowing there鈥檚 somebody outside of me and my family who is rooting for me.鈥
Joanne Neston, who will graduate with her Master of Social Work in May, reflected on how her experience has bridged the gap between classroom learning and real-world impact.
鈥淚t's applying the skills I鈥檝e learned in the classroom and putting them into practice,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 work with people who have such amazing experience and wisdom.鈥
The celebration also recognized the individuals who have helped shape the school鈥檚 legacy. Laurie Deer, LCSW, was named Field Instructor of the Year, and Larry Cooper, Marion Mitchell, and Myrna Hogue were inducted into the school鈥檚 Hall of Fame.
Kerry Littlewood, PhD (left), and Hall of Fame inductee Larry Cooper, LCSW.
Hall of Fame inductee Marion Mitchell (left) and Naomi Presnall-Shvorin.
Hall of Fame inductee Myrna Hogue, EdD, LCSW (left), and Alison Salloum, PhD, LCSW.
Attendees also got a preview of the School of Social Works virtual museum, which is being developed by student Tionni McDaniels and Daniel Horn, PhD, to preserve the school's history. Then, attendees got a glimpse of what鈥檚 next 鈥 presentations explored the path to licensure, expanded simulation-based learning and research opportunities, and the critical role of giving in supporting student success.
Additional photos from the event are.