Alabama State University Department of Social Work

Beverly Hall is woven into Alabama State University's story of courage, leadership, and change. It was the site of a historic student strike on October 21, 1954, a reminder of the power of student voices and collective action.

The building honors John W. Beverly, who rose from enslavement to become Alabama State University's first Black president. His legacy of perseverance, scholarship, and service continues to inspire this campus community.

As plans move forward for the Department of Social Work's return to Beverly Hall, the connection between past and present feels especially meaningful. Honoring that history also means investing in the future.

Join the MSW Community Advisory Board's "Paint with a Purpose" fundraiser and help support student development.

Purchase your canvas kit here:
https://ahmazingpaintparties.com/take-home-kits/ols/products/asu-social-work-fundraiser

Every share helps. Every purchase matters. The story continues.

ASU Social Work Fundraiser Alabama State University Social Work Department Fundraiser Ahmazing Take Home Kit!Let's get creative!Grab your kit and help them reach their goal! A portion of every kit sold goes directly toward supporting ASU’ Social Work program. Each kit includes: -16 x 20 Pre-sketched canvas -Paint(assorted c...

Today marks the successful conclusion of the Kenya Global Partnership Drive, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of our ASU Social Work alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends. In a remarkably short time, our community stepped up to donate much-needed supplies that will soon make their way to Kenya.

Among the many who answered the call was 2006 ASU Social Work alumna Brandy Blackburn, who stopped by today. Her generosity reflects the spirit of service shared by so many members of our community who contributed to this effort.

In just two weeks, our department chair and two faculty members will travel to Kenya as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen student exchange opportunities, foster collaborative research, and expand hands-on learning experiences. The supplies will support partner organizations and extend ASU’s commitment to education, service, and compassion worldwide.

Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make this a success. Your generosity reflects the values that define the ASU Social Work community: service, compassion, and a commitment to creating positive change both locally and globally.

Stay connected for updates as we continue building meaningful global partnerships and learning together across communities.

The Alabama State University Department of Social Work extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, former students, and loved ones of Dr. Leon W. Chestang, who passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

A distinguished educator, scholar, and administrator, Dr. Chestang devoted his career to advancing social work education and expanding understanding of the ways race, culture, identity, and social systems shape human development and well-being. Through his leadership, teaching, scholarship, and mentorship at institutions including Alabama State University, Jackson State University, and Wayne State University, he helped prepare generations of social workers for ethical, culturally responsive, and justice-centered practice.

Dr. Chestang's contributions to the profession have left an enduring mark on social work education and the communities served by those he taught and inspired. We honor his remarkable legacy with gratitude and respect, and we keep his family and all who mourn his loss in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

With the clock ticking toward tomorrow’s donation deadline, more much-needed items poured in today!

Please join us in thanking Ms. Andrea Steen (Class of 2004); sisters Elaine (Salter) Mumpfield, Margaret Salter, and Joyce Salter; and the members of Kinghill Missionary Baptist Church for their generous donations to the Kenya Global Partnership Drive. Their contributions, including sanitary napkins, pencils, pencil sharpeners, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, will help meet important needs and make a meaningful impact.

If you'd like to contribute, bring supplies to Abernathy Hall, Room 319 by 11:00a.m. Friday, June 5th. Campus closes at 12:00p.m. each Friday throughout the summer.

There’s a story in this image. One rooted in courage, legacy, and purpose.

This photograph captures Beverly Hall, the site of a historic student strike on October 21, 1954. It remains a powerful reminder of how student voices and collective action can shape change.

The building itself carries a profound legacy. John W. Beverly, for whom the hall is named, was formerly enslaved before becoming a graduate of Lincoln Normal School and Brown University. He later served as the first Black president of Alabama State University. His life reflected perseverance, scholarship, and leadership, values that continue to define this campus community today.

From 1974 to 2011, Beverly Hall also housed the Department of Social Work. With plans underway for the department’s eventual return to the building, the connection between past and present feels especially meaningful.

In that spirit, the MSW Community Advisory Board invites you to join our “Paint with a Purpose” fundraiser in support of student development. Investing in students is more than preparing for the future. It is a way of honoring the legacy of service, advocacy, and leadership that continues to shape Alabama State University.

Purchase your paintable canvas kit here:
https://ahmazingpaintparties.com/take-home-kits/ols/products?page=2
Once you arrive on the page, scroll to the bottom to find this featured image.

Your support matters. Your sharing matters. Our story continues because of you.

The donations just keep rolling in! Today, Dr. Riane Hinton generously contributed 300 toothbrushes to the Kenya Global Partnership drive, an incredible boost as we head into the final stretch.

With only eight days left until the deadline, support is building fast. At this rate, who knows what surprises might arrive next?

Still high on our list of needed items: sanitary napkins and toothpaste. Every contribution helps us make a meaningful impact. Stay tuned, and thank you to everyone who continues to support this effort!

We put out the call for donations and YOU are answering!!❤️Phone calls from alumni pledging support, faculty contributions and more are so encouraging. Thank you! Let's keep it going. Donation deadline is June 5th.

Just days before graduating with her Bachelor of Social Work degree, Tremiah Gorden was already doing what social workers do best, creating community and uplifting others.

In late April, she brought fellow BSW students together to host a student-led/student only Bachelor of Social Work Mixer designed to welcome current students into the program, spark meaningful conversations, and create space for encouragement and connection. Attendees heard firsthand from upperclassmen about their experiences, shared advice, and built relationships that will continue long after graduation.

That’s the kind of leadership our students embody: intentional, compassionate, and committed to helping others succeed. They don’t just move forward for themselves they create pathways for those coming behind them.

A special thank-you to Tremiah’s parents and the Social Work Department for helping make the event possible through refreshments, and continued support of our students.