School of Social Work Newsletter | Spring 2023 Recap
Sen. Michael Bennet meets with CSU, PSD leaders to discuss $9.7 million grant to support M.S.W. and K-12 students
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado visited with Colorado State University School of Social Work and Poudre School District (PSD) representatives to discuss a $9.7 million grant that will fund internship placements and post-graduate fellowships for CSU Master of Social Work (MSW) students.
Dear School of Social Work Alumni and Friends:
Another academic year is in the books! It has been a truly exciting year with many opportunities for growth and connection. We recently celebrated our graduates from the B.S.W., M.S.W., and Ph.D. programs with commencement ceremonies, hooding, and pinning. What a joy it was to recognize their achievements and potential.
This year, we celebrated both the 30th anniversary of the Human-Animal Bond in Colorado Center and the new home of the Social Work Research Center in Alder Hall. These centers, and others in the school and college, offer tremendous opportunities for community engagement and scholarship.
This spring, we hosted the fourth biennial Brad Sheafor Lecture in person, for the first time since 2019. Dr. Henrika McCoy visited from the University of Texas at Austin to discuss why having a personal lens for social justice and racial equity is imperative to social work research.
In the coming academic year, we will welcome new faces – not only students but also employees. We are fortunate to be growing! We are excited to introduce you to new members of our Ramily.
As we look ahead to summer and beyond, I send a wish for relaxation, connection, and joy. I thank you for your ongoing support of the School of Social Work.
Sending my very best,
Charlotte Bright
Director and Professor, School of Social Work
Colorado State University
Research Day 2023: School of Social Work researchers win Distinction in Research Awards
Paula Yuma (left) and Kate Miller won awards for their respective research on benevolent childhood experiences and dog interventions for veterans with PTSD.
Researchers develop map to connect cancer patients and resources to care for their pets
When conducting research on how the human-animal bond affects breast cancer survivors, Colorado State University faculty members Jennifer Currin-McCulloch and Lori Kogan discovered survivors are often worried about their pet’s wellbeing while they undergo treatment and recovery.
Henrika McCoy: How a personal lens on racial equity shapes social work research
McCoy, Ruby Lee Piester Centennial Fellow in Services to Children and Youth and Associate Professor at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin visited CSU to share why having a personal lens for social justice and racial equity is imperative to social work research.
The research mission of the School of Social Work is to promote and protect health as a human right across the lifespan through critically engaged and community-oriented research that amplifies traditionally marginalized voices.
Below are four highlights of work published by our faculty from this academic year.
Jamie Yoder: Developing a trauma-focused therapy for adolescents with problematic sexual behavior
Anne Williford: The role of colorblind racism and white fragility in racist middle school bullying
Tiffany Jones: University-school partnerships as tools to promote racial equity
Jen Currin-McCulloch: Mutual aid for social work educators in an online setting
Quinn Hafen: Holding social work to its own standards
From Patagonia to Fort Collins, a search for impact and fulfillment leads to research on whiteness in social work.
Marc Winokur on the Health and Human Science Matters podcast
Marc Winokur, the director of the Social Work Research Center, discusses kinship care, child maltreatment prevention, and building community among social workers.
Federal award helps degree seekers in mental and behavioral health, addresses shortages of mental health professionals
CSU has received a boost from the Colorado Department of Higher Education to directly support students pursuing careers in addiction counseling, marriage and family therapy, and social work.
From math to M.S.W.: Courtney Martinez forges unique path
She may have earned a bachelor’s degree in math, but Courtney Martinez, an outstanding Master of Social Work graduate from Colorado State University, found her passion in behavioral health and social justice research.
‘Persevering is in my blood,’ says first-gen student Eric Pildner
Pildner is an outstanding graduate in CSU’s School of Social Work after enduring hardship and working hard to earn his degree. A first-generation student, Pildner was unsure if he was going to be able to attend CSU.
Lynsey Fenter endured hardship while finding her passion in SW
When Fenter’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, she wanted to limit the time she dedicated to education. Her mother insisted she stay on track. Fenter is now an outstanding graduate of the school.
Kristin Mooney wins outstanding teacher award from College of Health and Human Sciences
The awards recognize faculty and staff members who exhibit exemplary performance, along with outstanding graduate and undergraduate students, alumni, and Friends of the College.
Marie Villescas Zamzow wins two awards honoring her service and impact
Each year, CSU celebrates the teaching, research and service achievements of students, alumni and friends, academic faculty, and staff as part of the Celebrate! Colorado State Awards.
Human-Animal Bond in Colorado celebrates its 30th anniversary
Since 1993, the Human-Animal Bond in Colorado Center’s volunteer teams have partnered with health and mental health professionals in the community to improve lives.
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