Northwestern State University Department of Social Work

04/08/2026

03/27/2026

We are excited to celebrate social workers in our community today. Come and join us at NRMC now for Door prizes and lots of swag are available.

03/27/2026

Feature Friday 🎉

Meet Dr. Jennifer Shaw — Title IV-E Research Associate, Statistics instructor, and one of the quiet forces behind so much of what makes the NSU Social Work Department thrive.
Dr. Shaw may not carry the title of social worker, but her heart for students and her commitment to this department's mission are unmistakable. Whether she's analyzing program data to strengthen child welfare workforce preparation, teaching statistics, or making sure every student can walk across the graduation stage with a cap and gown on their head, Dr. Shaw shows up — consistently and wholeheartedly.

Dr. Shaw spearheaded and coordinates Gowns for Grads, an initiative that ensures students who are unable to secure a cap and gown for graduation still get to experience that milestone in full. It's the kind of behind-the-scenes, student-first work that doesn't always get the spotlight — but it deserves it.

In her role as Louisiana Title IV-E Child Welfare Research Associate, Dr. Shaw supports the evaluation and continuous improvement of the Child Welfare Training Program — collecting and analyzing data, examining student outcomes, and identifying strategies to better prepare the child welfare workforce across Louisiana. She is currently developing a Program Advisory Council that will unite child welfare professionals, community partners, and educators statewide to guide program growth, align with workforce needs, and deepen collaboration between NSU and the agencies serving children and families across Louisiana.

A quote that guides her approach to this work comes from Maya Angelou: "Do the best you can until you know better. When you know better, do better."

For Dr. Shaw, these words reflect a life of learning and serving — a reminder that every lesson we gain becomes an opportunity to show up for others with greater compassion, wisdom, and integrity.
We are so grateful for Dr. Shaw's dedication to our students, our department, and the children and families of Louisiana. She is proof that it truly takes a village to grow great social workers. 💙
Drop a 🌟 in the comments to show Dr. Shaw some well-deserved appreciation!

03/26/2026

Counting down to 2 days until our Celebration of Social Workers followed by a free 1 hour CEU. Join us this Friday at 11:00 am at the NRMC Listach Conference room with the CEU event beginning at 12:00 noon. Can’t make it in person, join us online. Please follow the registration instructions through the QR code on the flyer.

03/25/2026

Who says class can’t be fun?! SOWK 3130 experiencing group in action 🌸🍀☀️

03/20/2026

✨ Feature Friday ✨

Meet Kiley Gatson — NSU Social Work senior, dedicated student, passionate advocate, and a future social worker whose commitment to the profession shines both inside and outside the classroom. 💜🧡

Kiley’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and heart. As a Social Work major, she doesn’t just study the values of the profession — she lives them. Through her coursework, field placement, and community involvement right here in Natchitoches, she is actively bridging the gap between the classroom and real-world practice, learning every day what it truly means to show up for others.

What makes Kiley stand out isn’t just her academic dedication — it’s the depth of empathy she brings to everything she does. Despite navigating personal challenges of her own, she has chosen to transform those experiences into fuel — deepening her compassion, strengthening her professionalism, and reinforcing her unwavering commitment to service. That kind of resilience doesn’t come from a textbook. It comes from character.

She is currently most proud of balancing her academic journey alongside hands-on field experience, learning how to support individuals facing life’s hardest moments with empathy, advocacy, and evidence-based practice. Each placement, each client interaction, each course has continued to shape the social worker she is becoming.

💬 Two ideas guide Kiley’s approach to the profession:

“Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.”
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”

These words remind her to lead with compassion first — and always — creating spaces where clients feel safe, seen, and empowered to reclaim their own strengths.

We are so proud to celebrate Kiley and the dedication she brings to NSU Social Work every single day. She is dependable, reflective, and deeply passionate about making a meaningful difference — and we have no doubt the profession is better for having her in it. 🌟

Drop a 💙 in the comments to celebrate Kiley and the amazing social worker she is becoming!

03/19/2026

03/19/2026

Our Title IV-E Team Members and DCFS Representative Rebecca Seal rocked the Public Service Expo on 3/18/26. We are excited to be working with Child and Family Studies and NSU Psychology Department beginning in the Fall of 2026. Come find out what a career in Child Welfare looks like.

Our Title IV-E team had a great time today at the Public Service Career Fair hosted by Northwestern State University. We were thrilled that Rebecca Seal joined us to represent Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services! 🎉

We enjoyed connecting with students and sharing information about the Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program and our partnership with DCFS. Events like this give us the opportunity to talk with future social workers about careers in public child welfare and how the Title IV-E program helps prepare and support students who are passionate about serving children and families.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table. We loved visiting with you and answering your questions about opportunities in child welfare! 💙

03/13/2026

📢 Attention prospective students! Our NSULA MSW application deadline has been extended to March 20, 2026. Don't miss your chance — submit your application today! Questions? Feel free to reach out.