Southern Miss School of Social Work Celebrates 40th Anniversary

The University of Southern Mississippi, School of Social Work hosted its annual Fall Colloquium Friday, Nov. 14 at the Thad Cochran Center on the Hattiesburg campus. This year's event, “The USM School of Social Work Story,” celebrated the school's 40-year history.

Speakers addressed the school's formation, the early years, the current status, and visions for the future. Through these talks, a clear theme evolved – the School of Social Work's success is rooted in strong, consistent leadership matched with enthusiasm from students, faculty and staff. Individuals who participated in the program expressed commitment to their community and overwhelming passion for their profession.

“I had a marvelous time,” said Charles Osborne, a second year social work master's student. “I am a huge fan of the historical significance of things in life, especially things that are close to my heart. The School of Social Work is most definitely that.”

“It was energizing for me to hear about the history of the school with the richness of the personal sharing,” said Ann Leblanc, a social work master's student. “I have had a very positive experience thus far in the masters of social work program, but seeing everyone today convey a consistent message of dedication to the larger collective was very powerful.”

The event progressed through the school's six leaders, starting with Dr. Lester Glick, who helped found the school in 1974. Dr. Shirley Jones, director from 1977 to 1987, was the first African American dean appointed to the public university system in Mississippi. Dr. Beulah Compton served as director from 1990-1992. Dr. Earlie Washington, director from 1992-2000, was awarded Outstanding Community Leader by the City of Hattiesburg in 1996.

Dr. Michael Forster, director from 2000-2008, co-founded the Family Network Partnership with Dr. Tim Rehner, the school's current director. Rehner currently serves as principle investigator for the Mississippi Integrated Health and Disaster Program, working to integrate mental and behavioral health services with primary health care delivery.

“An aspect I think is an amazing accomplishment on behalf of Dr. Aubrey Lucas, the president at the time, and the whole University, is the hiring of Dr. Shirley Jones in the late ‘70s as the very first African American academic dean appointed to the public university system in Mississippi,” said Emily Goff, a social work master's student. “It was amazing to see that USM set a precedent, and still is, in the state of Mississippi.”

Forster, dean of the College of Health, reflected on the school's community alliances and asserted his belief that social work is the greatest profession. “Social work has the vision of changing the world for the better, and the tools – the knowledge, the skills, and the values – with which to change it,” he said. 

Rehner quantified the school's community impact, stating that 238 students were placed in agency based internships in the 2013/2014 academic year. He said that last year social work students contributed more than $1.1 million of service (calculated at $15 per hour) to human service agencies across the state of Mississippi. Since Rehner stepped in as director, total enrollment in the School of Social Work has grown by 62 percent, and the Gulf Park social work enrollment has increased by 67 percent.

Rehner concluded with a look to the next 20 years. “To be relevant, we are going to continue to be active in scholarship that serves the community,” he said. “Big things are happening in health across the nation and in Mississippi. We will be there.”

To learn more about the School of Social Work at Southern Miss, visit www.usm.edu/socialwork.