Newman University honored 14 Master of Social Work graduates during a traditional pinning ceremony May 13, marking their transition from academic studies to professional practice.
“This special recognition signifies a shift from the academic world to the profession of social work practice,” said Yelando Johnson, division chair and director for the MSW program. “It symbolizes their preparedness to step forward as leaders, be a voice and a catalyst for positive change in our communities.”
Newman’s MSW program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, emphasizes trauma-informed care and offers both full-time and part-time options with flexible scheduling to accommodate working professionals. The program includes an advanced standing track and online degree options.
Jessica Bird, associate vice president of outreach and dean of the School of Education and Social Work, highlighted the program’s connection to the university’s broader mission during the ceremony.
“The mission of Newman University is to empower our graduates to transform society. And I can’t think of a better profession to go out and just do that,” Bird said. “Social work is not an easy field, but it is a noble field.”
During the ceremony, graduates received pins symbolizing their entry into the profession and recited the social work pledge, affirming their commitment to professional ethics and values.
The event also recognized students inducted into Phi Alpha, the social work honor society, and Pi Gamma Mu, the international honor society in social sciences, which celebrated its centennial last year.
Graduate Laila Robinson praised the program’s trauma-informed approach and intimate learning environment.
“Being trauma-informed has really helped me help clients, and that’s all I want to do,” Robinson said. “I got to know a lot of my classmates on a deeper level compared to a bigger classroom setting. I also got to know the professors on a deeper level, too.”
Philip Bollig, another new graduate who completed practicums at an addiction treatment center and in counseling settings, plans to work part-time at Empac, a nonprofit employee assistance provider, while also exploring private practice opportunities.
“I’ve grown a lot as a person, more so than I think I ever would’ve if I hadn’t gone to this program. The practicums are where things really take shape,” Bollig said. “The faculty here, I felt like I could talk to them really easily, and it was inspiring to have that much accessibility.”
Vanessa Rials, director of MSW field education, revealed the graduating cohort collectively contributed more than 9,600 hours this year to communities from Wichita to Colorado and Alabama through field placements at organizations including Comcare, St. Francis, USD 266, Ascension Via Christi, Ember Hope and Your Best Brain Counseling.
“The world needs more social workers, and this graduating cohort is more than ready to rise to that call,” Rials said. “They are prepared to serve, educate, advocate and create safe spaces for all.”
Johnson believes Newman’s program stands out among peer institutions nationwide.
“We understand that pursuing a graduate degree in social work is both challenging and rewarding, which is why our program is built not only on a strong foundation of trauma-informed practice and specialized concentrations, but also on wraparound services that help students thrive,” Johnson said.
She added that students receive hands-on learning through meaningful practicum experiences, participation in national interdisciplinary simulations and opportunities to attend the annual Council on Social Work Education conference.
Faculty members recognized during the ceremony included Michael Duxler, who has the longest tenure among faculty; Karen Noel, program coordinator; and Rials.
Newman MSW
Newman University’s Master of Social Work program is one of a few in the U.S. that incorporates trauma-informed care.
