Dalton State College Social Work Program

08/22/2026

The BSW students from SOWK 2103 participated in their first service activity this morning with our community partner, Well Housed Dalton (WHD). Our students enjoyed spending the morning assisting with the Math Literacy event hosted by WHD with assistance from Dr Sharon Hixon, former Dean of the School of Education at Dalton State. Community- engaged service learning is integrated across our curriculum and provides BSW students the opportunity to learn and practice their social work engagement skills. These activities are part of what makes this the BSW program of choice at the institution of choice, Dalton State.

Photos used with permission, do not reproduce or share without permission of WHD and the BSW program.

08/21/2026

Proud to see our community so well represented at this important event. We are honored to partner with the Whitfield County Schools in supporting our BSW students and of our alums who are social workers within the system. Addressing the issue of hunger, and particularly hunger in childhood, is a priority for all social workers and Melanie Watson represents the profession well.

08/20/2026

Students from the BSW program enjoyed activities(especially the ice cream) at Day for Dalton today at Dalton State. Thank you to everyone who visited our campus and to the faculty and staff responsible for coordinating the event.

08/14/2026

Congratulations to our community partner (and former faculty member) , Dr Liz Hubbs, and the many BSW program alums who are part of the MJS team, on their ribbon cutting today.

08/12/2026

Our sophomores and juniors enjoyed meeting Dr Thaw, our School of Health Professions Dean, at Donuts with Deans this morning on campus. We are welcoming our largest incoming cohort since 2020 and are delighted to have a wonderful group of lower division and upper division preparing to serve our community as professional social workers.

08/05/2026

We are always delighted and proud to see our alumni out in the world making a difference. Kailey Boulware McBee, class of 2026, is hard at work practicing her macro social work skills. Watch video of her testimony here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y9bj5fKQ9Y

07/27/2026

The BSW Program is pleased to share that Mary Katherine (MK) Martin, LCSW, is joining the faculty this fall as our newest Assistant Professor of Social Work. MK comes to us from Kennesaw State University, having served there since 2017 in a variety of roles within student counseling services and as an instructor in the MSW program. MK has her BA from Auburn University, her MSW from the University of Georgia, and is currently earning her PhD from the University of Georgia. MK has an extensive background in mental health services in public and private sector settings, as well as in her own private practice, working with individuals across the lifespan. MK brings not only a wealth of experience to Dalton State, but an enthusiasm for undergraduate teaching and an eagerness to get to know our students. We look forward to officially having her on campus on August 1, 2026, and to introducing her to everyone in on campus and across the community.

06/30/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BSjSmkqAq/

Nearly all of Georgia is designated as a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), highlighting the state’s critical need for a stronger behavioral health workforce. To help address this challenge, the UGA Ralston Institute for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities created the Georgia Behavioral Health Professions Hub to introduce students and job seekers to behavioral health career pathways and the opportunities available across the state.

The hub is a comprehensive, Georgia-specific resource for individuals interested in behavioral health careers and includes salary expectations, education and licensing requirements, career pathways and workforce information for a variety of careers.

To learn more about the Georgia Behavioral Health Professions Hub, visit the link below! 🔗

06/19/2026

Dalton State is closed today for the Juneteenth holiday, the campus will reopen Monday.

05/25/2026

🌿 Mental Health Monday – Week 4 🌿

For our final Mental Health Monday feature during Mental Health Awareness Month, we are spotlighting a student-created design focused on mental health in older adults. 💙

This impactful piece, created by a student from the Dalton State College Social Work Program, was selected for its excellent use of color, visuals, and organized messaging to communicate important information in an engaging and approachable way.

👏 What made this design stand out:
✨ Strong visual appeal with calming, attention-grabbing colors
✨ Creative use of images to support the message
✨ Clear information about warning signs and ways to support mental wellness
✨ Encouraging reminders that mental health struggles are not a weakness

The post highlights important ways older adults can support their mental health, including:
✔️ Practicing self-care
✔️ Staying socially connected
✔️ Seeking professional support when needed
✔️ Participating in meaningful activities

It also reminds us that mental health challenges can affect people of all ages, and open conversations help reduce stigma and encourage support. 🌱

A huge thank you to the talented students and faculty at the Dalton State College Social Work Program for partnering with us throughout this Mental Health Monday series and helping bring awareness, education, and encouragement to our community this month! 💚