Jackson State School of Social Work

09/07/2026

🍂 Labor Day weekend always feels like a reset button,one last breath of summer before routines pick back up and new goals start taking shape.

🚫 MYTH: You need years of social work experience to earn an MSW.
✅ FACT: Many students begin their MSW journey without prior social work experience and gain hands-on learning through coursework and field education.

And honestly, it’s a little like that classic September vibe—when Earth, Wind & Fire had everybody singing *“do you remember…”* and suddenly you’re reminded that beginnings don’t require perfection, just participation. 🎶

You don’t have to arrive at graduate school already knowing it all. The MSW program is built to help you grow into the knowledge, skills, and real-world practice you’ll need along the way.

So as we move through this Labor Day season and into fall momentum, let that “fresh start” energy work in your favor—don’t let what you haven’t done yet limit where you could go next. 📚

📅 Applications for the Fall 2027 admissions cycle open November 15, 2026.

Learn more about the JSU MSW Program: www.jsums.edu/socialwork

09/06/2026

Golf and tennis join the teams in action this week, with the tennis programs hosting a tournament over the weekend and men's golf hosting the TheeILove Intercollegiate in Flowood.

09/02/2026

The School of Social Work at Jackson State University is pleased to welcome Dr. DeMetra Bates as Assistant Professor in our Graduate Programs! 💙🐯

Dr. Bates brings an interdisciplinary background in social work, urban and regional planning, community development, and higher education. Her research interests include affordable housing, unhoused populations, housing instability and policy, community development, health disparities, community engagement, advocacy, equity planning, and social justice initiatives that improve the quality of life for vulnerable and underserved populations.

She holds a Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Public Health and a Master of Social Work from The University of Southern Mississippi; a Master of Education in Higher Education – Student Affairs Administration from The University of Southern Mississippi; and a Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning with a concentration in Community Development and Housing from Jackson State University.

Dr. Bates has been recognized for her professional and community service, including the Community Champion Award (2025), recognition as a Mississippi Pinnacle Awards Finalist (2025), and the Distinguished Alumni Award (2024) from The University of Southern Mississippi School of Social Work. She was also named Citizen of the Year (2023) by the Phi Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Reflecting on her work as a social worker and educator, Dr. Bates shares, “Whether I am mentoring future social workers, engaging in community-based research, or advocating for underserved populations, I find great satisfaction in helping others recognize their strengths and create meaningful change.”

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Bates enjoys baking and ziplining, with baking serving as one of her favorite creative outlets.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. DeMetra Bates to the School of Social Work! We are excited for the expertise, service, and commitment to social justice she brings to our JSU community.

09/02/2026

TGIT. Time to Do THEE Work.

Registration is now open for the September session of the Jackson State University School of Social Work's Doing THEE Work: Monthly Continuing Education Series!

This month, we're taking a closer look at the role comprehensive psychological assessment plays in making informed clinical decisions.

Evidence Based Psychological Assessment and Treatment: Using Comprehensive Evaluation to Improve Clinical Outcomes

Presented by Alyssa Ellis Killebrew, PhD, LPC-S
CEO, Essential Touchstones, LLC

Thursday, September 17, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CST
Virtual (Zoom)
2 General CE Hours
$20 Registration Fee

Participants will explore comprehensive psychological evaluations, the difference between symptom-based and diagnosis-driven treatment, commonly used assessment instruments, and how assessment findings can inform diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and level-of-care decisions.

Registration is open now, but space is limited.

Register today:
https://jsums.nbsstore.net/monthly-continuing-education

We'll see you every Third Thursday.

09/02/2026

📚🎒 GIVEAWAY #2 OF 2 IS HERE!

College is already expensive enough, so Esther Funds Foundation wants to take something OFF your list. Selected college students can have EFF purchase:

📖 ONE academically necessary book — yes, the book can cost more than $50!

OR

🎒 Up to THREE essential school-supply items from an Amazon Wish List totaling $50 or less.

HOW TO ENTER 💜

✨ Tag 3 college friends in the comments
✨ Fill out the Clear Your List form through the LINK IN OUR BIO
✨ Be prepared to verify your current college enrollment

We may not be able to clear everybody’s list, but we’re going to purchase what we can for as many selected students as our available funding allows. 💜

🌯 Free Chipotle AND 📚 school support in the SAME DAY?!

YUP. TWO GIVEAWAYS. ONE DAY. Because supporting college students is literally what we do.

🔗 ENTER THROUGH THE LINK IN OUR BIO!

Entry does not guarantee selection. This giveaway is not first-come, first-served. Purchases are subject to eligibility and available EFF funding.

08/28/2026

The School of Social Work at Jackson State University is pleased to welcome Dr. Shirin Sultana as Assistant Professor in the Graduate Programs.

Dr. Sultana brings extensive experience in social work research and education. Her research interests include loneliness, mental health, children and adolescents, college students, immigrants, and refugees, with a focus on understanding diverse and underserved populations and strengthening programs that improve lives and communities.

Her educational background includes:

Ph.D. in Social Work – Howard University (2019)
Master of Science in Social Work – The University of Texas at Austin (2010)
Master of Social Sciences in Social Welfare – University of Dhaka, Bangladesh (1999)
Bachelor of Social Science in Social Welfare – University of Dhaka, Bangladesh (1997)

Dr. Sultana has received several distinguished honors, including the Sasakawa Young Leaders Foundation Fellowship (2018) and Just Julian Fellowship (2017) from Howard University. She was also awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and the David Bruton, Jr. Graduate Fellowship in 2007.

When asked about her favorite part of being a social work educator, Dr. Sultana shares, “My favorite part is watching students build the confidence and skills they need in class so they can go out into the real world and uplift the communities they serve.”

A fun fact about Dr. Sultana? She genuinely loves research and statistics! She views research as a form of social work practice, using evidence to help sustain life-changing programs.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Shirin Sultana to the Graduate Programs in the School of Social Work. We are excited for the expertise, passion for research, and commitment to student success she brings to our JSU community.

Welcome, Dr. Sultana! 💙🐯

08/26/2026

✨ SAVE THE DATE! ✨

The Jackson State University School of Social Work is proud to announce the 25th Annual Mississippi Child Welfare Institute Conference, happening February 4–5, 2027, in Jackson, Mississippi!

This year marks a special milestone, our Silver Anniversary. 🩶

For 25 years, the Mississippi Child Welfare Institute Conference has brought together social workers, child welfare professionals, educators, students, community partners, and helping professionals committed to strengthening children, families, and communities.

In 2027, we’re celebrating 25 Years of Impact while looking ahead to the future of child welfare.

📅 February 4–5, 2027
📍 Jackson, Mississippi

📣 Call for Abstracts coming soon! Registration, continuing education opportunities, conference location, and additional details will also be announced soon.

Mark your calendars, tag a colleague, and share the Save the Date! 🧡💙🩶

08/19/2026

Jackson State University congratulates Vice President and Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson on his appointment as Vice President and Director of Athletics at Texas Southern University.

During his eight years at JSU, Robinson helped lead Jackson State Athletics to 32 conference championships, two national championships, and the 2025–26 Dr. James Frank Commissioner’s Cup while increasing the program’s national visibility.

We thank Ashley for his service to our student-athletes and Tiger Nation and wish him and his family continued success.

08/13/2026

Are you a Social Work major looking to get more involved in the School of Social Work? 👀💙

Maybe you want to represent your program, connect with prospective students, build your leadership skills, or simply become more involved beyond the classroom. If so, SWRA might be for you! 🐯

The Social Work Recruitment Ambassadors (SWRA) are looking for BSW, MSW, and PhD students who are excited about representing the JSU School of Social Work and helping future students discover what makes our programs and community special.

As a Recruitment Ambassador, you’ll have opportunities to connect with others, participate in recruitment and outreach activities, share your experience as a JSU Social Work student, and help us welcome the next generation of social workers.

📌 Already an SWRA Ambassador? Current ambassadors are required to reapply for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Think SWRA is a good fit for you? Scan the QR code on the flyer to apply!

⏰ Applications close Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Represent. Recruit. Inspire. Make an Impact. 💙

08/12/2026