Jackson State School of Social Work

Congratulations to Alice Dawkins Hopson, LMSW!

We are proud to celebrate Alice, a December 2016 MSW graduate from Jackson State University and a native of Newton, Mississippi, on passing the Master Level Social Work Licensure Exam.

Alice currently serves as the Medicaid Waiver Case Manager Supervisor with the East Central Planning and Development District, where she has dedicated 29 years of service. She currently supervises the Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program, helping support individuals and families through meaningful case management and advocacy.

Alice shared that her mother and father were the first social workers she encountered, even before she knew social work was a profession. She always knew she wanted to help people and believes that social work chose her.

Now that she has reached this milestone, Alice plans to continue working toward becoming an LCSW.

Her advice for others:
“To whom much is given, much is required. Never give up on your pursuit to becoming licensed.”

This spotlight highlights Social Work Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior, as Alice models professionalism, dedication, perseverance, 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

Durastak Traits of Tomorrow Scholarship​

Congratulations to DrAngela Savage, DSW, MSW, LMSW, Assistant Professor in the JSU School of Social Work, on her appointment to the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Commission on Educational Policy (COEP) for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2026! 👏🏾💙🐯

The Commission on Educational Policy plays a vital role in shaping the future of social work education by identifying emerging educational issues, reviewing policy initiatives, and helping guide curriculum standards that influence social work programs across the nation.

Selected for her knowledge, experience, and leadership, Dr. Savage will serve a three-year term through June 30, 2029, contributing to conversations that help strengthen social work education and prepare future practitioners and leaders.

Through this role, Dr. Savage will help advance excellence in social work education, strengthen professional preparation, and contribute to the development of educational policies that impact future practitioners nationwide.

Her appointment reflects both her professional expertise and the continued impact of JSU School of Social Work faculty on the national stage.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Savage on this prestigious appointment!

The School of Social Work is proud to spotlight Tamara Johnson, LMSW, KHC, a proud Jackson State University alumna whose life and career are rooted in service, faith, and advocacy.

A native of Clinton, Mississippi, Tamara earned her Bachelor of Social Work in 2011 and her Master of Social Work in 2013 from Thee Jackson State University. With more than a decade of experience serving aging and disabled populations, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges with dignity, compassion, and hope.

Tamara recently achieved a significant professional milestone when she was selected to serve as a panelist at the Mental Health America of the Mid-South Annual Aging Conference, where she presented on the critical role of discharge planning in skilled nursing facilities. This opportunity allowed her to share her expertise and advocate for improving outcomes for older adults and their families.

As a Licensed Master Social Worker, Kidney Health Coach, Author, and Motivational Speaker, Tamara's impact extends far beyond her professional role. In 2023, she founded Your Personal Social Worker, LLC, providing guidance and resources to individuals facing life's transitions. She also leads Restitution of Hope, Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on restoring hope and improving quality of life for underserved communities.

Tamara credits her parents, the late Eddie Toaster and Yvonne Toaster, for inspiring her passion for service. Their example of community involvement and helping others set her on the path to social work and continues to guide her work today.

Her work exemplifies the social work competencies of advancing human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice and engaging, assessing, and intervening with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Looking ahead, Tamara plans to pursue her LCSW supervision hours, become a long-term care educator, and provide continuing education opportunities for professionals serving older adults.

✨ Her advice to future social workers?

"Don't chase after money, titles, or even the license. When you seek God and build a relationship with Him, you will be fulfilled in walking in your God-given purpose. The things you need to succeed will follow."

Join us in celebrating Tamara Johnson for her dedication to social work, advocacy, and improving the lives of others through service and faith. 💙🐯
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 Latonya Denise 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