10/15/2026
The NWOSU Department of Social Work is proud to celebrate its practicum partnership with the Charles E. "Bill" Johnson Correctional Center (BJCC) in Alva, Oklahoma.
This partnership provides Northwestern social work students with an opportunity to enhance their educational experience by bridging academic learning with real-world application. Through financial support provided under Northwestern’s contract with BJCC, students are able to develop critical practice skills while making meaningful contributions within the correctional system.
Dr. Kylene Rehder, chair of the Northwestern Department of Social Work and professor of social work, said this flourishing partnership highlights the department’s commitment to preparing students for real-world social work practice while providing valuable financial support.
“BJCC has proven to be an exceptional practicum site, offering students opportunities to engage with diverse populations and complex cases,” Rehder said. “By working alongside professionals and interacting with incarcerated individuals, students deepen their understanding of the challenges, responsibilities and opportunities associated with social work practice in correctional settings. This successful collaboration reflects a shared commitment to professional development, experiential learning and positive community impact.”
Trent Spade, treatment director at BJCC, said the partnership between the Northwestern Department of Social Work and the Northwestern Community Service Provider program at BJCC is essential to supporting the well-being of the community.
“Their collaboration brings together community-focused services and individualized care, ensuring people receive the support they need while helping build stronger, healthier communities,” Spade said. “Social work students not only expand our capacity to serve others but also gain valuable real-world experience that helps prepare the next generation of professionals dedicated to making a difference.”
Haylee Durrence, a junior social work major and current practicum student, is involved with this program.
“The partnership between the Northwestern Department of Social Work and BJCC has given me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally,” she said. “Through my experience at BJCC, I have applied my classroom knowledge, learned from dedicated professionals and gained a deeper appreciation for the field of social work.”
