By Joan C. McKinney, director of university communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – It was a time of thanks, smiles and the result of hard work as 11 Campbellsville University Carver School of Social Work graduates received a National Association of Social Work (NASW) social work pin in a ceremony recently on campus.
“We want you to know how proud we are of you for your accomplishments,” said Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University. He congratulated the students on succeeding with a “vigorous curriculum” and with their field practicum placement. Several of the field practicum supervisors attended the pinning ceremony in the Little Auditorium.
“Congratulations on a job well done,” Carter said. “We wish you the very best, and we want you to remember that CU is your alma mater and always will be.”
He acknowledged the families and friends of those attending.
Dr. Frank Cheatham, vice president for academic affairs, thanked the social work faculty members present including Dr. Darlene Eastridge, program director, professor of social work; Debbie Carter, field director, assistant professor of social work; Dr. Candace Hansford, assistant professor of social work; Dr. Helen Mudd, assistant professor of social work; and Mary Lou Stephens, adjunct instructor.
“We are blessed with a great faculty,” Cheatham said. “We don’t tell them ‘thank you’ enough. The people here are your supporters. You are commended to be going into the helping profession.”
Dr. Mary Wilgus, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, under which social work is located, told the students she was proud of their achievements and the pinning ceremony was a “milestone” in their education.
“Part of our mission at CU is to improve society,” she said, “and your profession does that. You have the opportunity to apply Christian-like service.”
“Go and serve,” she said.
Debbie Carter read the names of the students receiving their pins, described their field placement and introduced the field supervisors who were present.
Hansford and Mudd pinned the students as Carter read the names.
Those who were pinned include: Cara Cape of Jamestown, Ky.; Jennifer Carney of Mackville, Ky.; Crystal Cocanougher of Springfield, Ky.; Monica Hall of Campbellsville; Jessica Abell McFarland of Lebanon, Ky.; Sharon Mosz of Greensburg; Vickie Newton of Campbellsville; Bradley Wilson of Somerset; Kristi Lewis of Campbellsville and Misty Curry of Greensburg. Ricky Burress of Campbellsville was not able to attend the ceremony due to illness.
Eastridge introduced those attending the ceremony and also introduced Lewis and Curry, both of whom received the Outstanding Social Work Students of the Year Awards at Honors and Awards Day recently at CU. The women addressed the audience and urged the graduates to “allow the Lord to guide” them and to serve. They read a poem pertaining to the social work profession.
Campbellsville University offers a bachelor of science degree in social work, an area in social work, area of practice emphasis and a master of science in counseling degree. Campbellsville University’s bachelor of social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
The Carver School of Social Work program stresses academic excellence, Christian leadership and personal growth within a nurturing, caring environment. For information about the program, contact the Carver School of Social Work at (270) 789-5049.
Campbellsville University, founded in 1906, is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention, Campbellsville has an enrollment of 2,052 students who represent 101 Kentucky counties, 33 states and 24 foreign nations. Listed in U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” 12 consecutive years as one of the leading Southern master’s colleges and universities, Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his sixth year as president.