Jackson State School of Social Work

Congratulations to Latonya Atkinson, LMSW!

We are proud to celebrate Latonya, a Spring 2026 Social Work graduate from Jackson State University and a native of Houston, Mississippi, on passing the LMSW exam.

Latonya currently serves as a Safety Specialist with Viemed Healthcare. With experience in child welfare, case management, client advocacy, and crisis intervention, she is committed to helping individuals and families access resources, improve stability, and achieve their treatment goals.

Latonya was inspired to become a social worker because she wanted to improve outcomes and support others in achieving the quality of life they aspire to have.

Now that she has reached this milestone, Latonya plans to obtain a position that allows her to continue promoting goal attainment and serving others with purpose.

Her advice for others:
“Chase your dreams, follow your heart’s desires, and be willing to work hard for the success you deserve.”

This spotlight highlights Social Work Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior, as Latonya models professionalism, perseverance, advocacy, and continued growth in the field.

Are you a JSU School of Social Work alum or current student who recently passed your licensure exam or achieved another accomplishment in the field of social work? We would love to celebrate and feature you. Submit your information here:
https://forms.gle/bTjS36ZyvuK8nDt7A

Congratulations to Sierra McCaskill, LMSW!

We are proud to celebrate Sierra, a December 2024 BSW graduate from Jackson State University and a native of Jackson, Mississippi, on passing the LMSW exam. Sierra currently serves as a Social Service Specialist II in child welfare, where she continues to advocate for children, families, and vulnerable populations.

Sierra shared that social work is more than a profession to her; it is a calling rooted in purpose and passion. Her work is centered on helping families remain together, breaking generational cycles, spreading awareness, and making sure people feel seen, heard, and supported.

Now that she has reached this milestone, Sierra plans to continue preparing for the requirements to pursue her LCSW.

Her advice for others:
“Keep striving for your goals, stay grounded in your faith, and trust that everything else will fall into place.”

This spotlight highlights Social Work Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior, as Sierra models professionalism, purpose, advocacy, and a continued commitment to growth in the field.

Are you a JSU School of Social Work alum or current student who recently passed your licensure exam or achieved another accomplishment in the field of social work? We would love to celebrate and feature you. Submit your information here:
https://forms.gle/bTjS36ZyvuK8nDt7A.

💙 Today is JSU Day of Giving! 💙

The School of Social Work is proud to be All In for Thee as we continue preparing compassionate, skilled, and dedicated social workers who make a difference every day.

Your support helps provide opportunities for:
✔️ Student scholarships
✔️ Professional development and licensure preparation
✔️ Field education experiences
✔️ Student engagement and leadership opportunities
✔️ The continued growth of social work education at Jackson State University

Every gift—regardless of size—helps us empower future social workers who will serve individuals, families, and communities across Mississippi and beyond.

As you look through this collage, you may see yourself, a classmate, colleague, professor, mentor, student, or friend. Each photo represents a life touched by the JSU School of Social Work and a legacy of service that continues to impact communities every day.

Perhaps you earned your degree from the School of Social Work, attended one of our Child Welfare Conferences, received continuing education credits through our professional development offerings, participated in a community event, or benefited from the mentorship and guidance of our faculty and staff. If the School of Social Work has invested in you, inspired you, challenged you, supported you, or helped shape your journey, we invite you to give back to the program that has given so much to so many.

Join us in making an impact today by supporting the JSU School of Social Work during Day of Giving!

🔗 Give today: jsums.edu/dayofgiving

Congratulations to Stephanie Mangafakis, LMSW!

We are proud to celebrate Stephanie, a 2024 MSW graduate from Jackson State University and a native of Brandon, Mississippi, on passing the LMSW exam.

Stephanie was drawn to social work through both personal values and professional experiences that showed her how deeply trauma can impact individuals, especially in environments where they should feel safe. Her passion for trauma-informed care is rooted in helping people regain a sense of safety, agency, and dignity in their lives.

Now that she has reached this milestone, Stephanie’s goal is to find a remote, hybrid, or on-site counseling position where she can work directly with individuals who have experienced trauma.

Her advice for others:
“Stay true to yourself and your interests. Everyone has a different path to follow, which will become your own personal journey. If you do this, you will never work a day in your life.”

This spotlight highlights Social Work Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior, as Stephanie models professionalism, purpose, self-awareness, and a commitment to continued growth in the field.

Are you a JSU School of Social Work alum or current student who recently passed your licensure exam or achieved another accomplishment in the field of social work? We would love to celebrate and feature you. Submit your information here:
https://forms.gle/bTjS36ZyvuK8nDt7A

Congratulations to Amy Randle Snyder, LMSW!

We are proud to celebrate Amy, a May 2026 MSW graduate from Jackson State University and a native of Blue Springs, on passing the LMSW exam. Amy currently serves as the Director of Senior Safety Team with the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services, where she has dedicated the past 14 years to serving children and families.

Amy’s passion for social work is rooted in her firsthand experience seeing the challenges many children and families face. Those experiences continue to drive her commitment to creating positive change throughout the state.

Now that she has reached this milestone, Amy plans to continue her career with MDCPS and remain committed to making a meaningful impact through ethical, compassionate, and service-centered practice.

Her advice for others:
“Always act ethically and demonstrate integrity in every situation.”

This spotlight highlights Social Work Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior, as Amy models integrity, professionalism, ethical practice, and a continued commitment to serving children and families.

Are you a JSU School of Social Work alum or current student who recently passed your licensure exam or achieved another accomplishment in the field of social work? We would love to celebrate and feature you. Submit your information here:
https://forms.gle/bTjS36ZyvuK8nDt7A

We’re proud to highlight Dr. Candace Riddley and Dr. Angela Savage of the JSU School of Social Work for their upcoming presentation at the 2026 Title IV-E Roundtable: Growing Hope Rooted in Community in Denver, Colorado! 💙🐯

🗓️ Presentation:
📍 The Impact of NASW Code of Ethics on Title IV-E Initiatives: An HBCU Perspective
📅 Wednesday, May 20, 2026
⏰ 9:00–10:00 AM MDT
📌 Cripple Creek 2 (2nd Floor)
Embassy Suites Denver Downtown Convention Center

Drawing from their leadership and firsthand experience with the Jackson State University Title IV-E Mississippi Academic Pathways (MAP) Program, Dr. Riddley and Dr. Savage will explore how ethical principles, cultural humility, equity, and data-informed practice shape the recruitment, preparation, and retention of a diverse child welfare workforce.

Dr. Candace L. Riddley serves as Principal Investigator of the JSU Title IV-E Mississippi Academic Pathways (MAP) Program, while Dr. Angela Savage serves as Co-Principal Investigator of the program—a specialized initiative that helps prepare and strengthen Mississippi’s future child welfare workforce through scholarship support, professional development, and career preparation for social work students committed to public child welfare practice.

Using practical examples from Title IV-E programming, their session will demonstrate how ethics-driven training supports workforce readiness, culturally responsive practice, ethical decision-making, and improved outcomes for children and families within public child welfare systems.

📣 If you’re attending the 2026 Title IV-E Roundtable, be sure to attend this limited breakout session and support Dr. Riddley and Dr. Savage as they represent JSU School of Social Work on a national stage!

🎉 Please join the JSU School of Social Work in congratulating Dr. Jaegoo Lee, Ph.D., LMSW, MSW, MS on her promotion to Full Professor! 💙🐯

Dr. Lee’s scholarship, leadership, and dedication to social work education continue to make a lasting impact within our School, the profession, and communities around the world.

Her research focuses on:
✨ Childhood adversity & trauma
✨ Mental health & health disparities
✨ Child welfare & resilience
✨ Self-care & community well-being

Throughout her career, Dr. Lee has remained committed to helping future social workers connect theory to practice while mentoring the next generation of scholars and leaders.

As Associate Dean Dr. Patrice Jenkins shared:

“Dr. Lee’s promotion to Full Professor is a reflection of years of scholarly excellence, quiet leadership, and unwavering dedication to mentoring students and emerging scholars.”

We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved accomplishment and grateful for the impact Dr. Lee continues to make through research, mentorship, and social work education.

👏🏾 Congratulations, Dr. Lee!

🎓 Let’s give a round of applause to our Spring 2026 MSW Graduates from Thee Jackson State University! Your commitment to justice, advocacy, and uplifting others has led you to this powerful moment — and the School of Social Work stands with pride as you take the next step. 💙🤍

The world needs your voice, your passion, and your purpose. We can't wait to see how far you’ll go as leaders in the field of Social Work! 🌍🔥

Drop a 🎉 in the comments and tag your favorite JSU future social worker to celebrate their success!

🎓 Help us celebrate our Spring 2026 BSW Graduates from Thee Jackson State University! Your dedication, resilience, and heart for service have brought you to this incredible milestone — and the School of Social Work couldn’t be prouder. 💙💛

The journey is just beginning, and we know you’re going to make waves in the world of Social Work! 🌍💪🏽

Drop a 🎉 in the comments and tag your favorite JSU future social worker to show them some love!