Campbellsville University established its first program of social
work in 1974. The degree awarded was a Bachelor of Science with social
work as a major. The program was accredited by our regional accrediting
organizations, The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, but at
that time it was not accredited by our professional organization. The
program existed in that form until 1989 when it was phased out by the
institution.
Student requests, community and state
employment needs, and the support of the Administration and Board of
Trustees were the catalysts in 1994 for a rebirth of the social work
program. The University was excited, supportive, and ready to build a
quality program that was worthy of national accreditation and the
standards of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
The
social work program entered accreditation candidacy with the CSWE in
1998 and proceeded through the development process. Initial
accreditation was granted in February 2001. Once initial accreditation
was awarded, CSWE granted reciprocity to students who had graduated
from the BSW program during the candidacy period (1998-2001) and they
too were considered graduates of a CSWE accredited program.
During
the development stages of the undergraduate program (1995-1997), just
prior to the BSW programs entry into candidacy with the CSWE, the
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) in Louisville Kentucky,
previous home to the Carver School of Church Social Work, was in
discussions with the CSWE regarding noncompliance of accreditation
standards.
This led the SBTS to seek a new location for the Carver
School of Church Social Work and ultimately, the sale of the school to
Campbellsville University. Although saddened by the decision of the
SBTS, Campbellsville University humbly accepted the opportunity to
provide Carver a continuing home in Kentucky and to carry forth the
Carver name and Christian mission and, in addition, provide a home for
the historic library collection. The acquisition of the Carver School
of Church Social Work was finalized between Campbellsville University
and the SBTS on December 17, 1997.
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