School of Social Work at Illinois State University

05/20/2026

https://scalingupemdr.com/mclean-county-basic-training/

05/14/2026

05/14/2026

On May 8, we had the honor of celebrating our School of Social Work graduates at our graduation celebration before they headed to Illinois State University’s commencement ceremony.

Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, and staff, we recognized the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that brought them to this milestone.

We’re also proud to share a photo from the Umoja Graduation Celebration held on May 7, a special celebration honoring Illinois State students of African descent and from the African diaspora. Sponsored by the Umoja Community Forum, this meaningful event celebrates the achievements of Black graduates and the community that supports their success.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 — your passion for service and commitment to creating positive change will make a lasting impact. We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish next!

05/04/2026

We love hearing about the impact our faculty have on students! ❤️

School of Social Work student feedback says it best: SWK 329 had a wonderful experience learning with Margaret Baker this semester.

One student recently sent Margaret a heartfelt email thanking her for all of her support throughout her junior year, sharing how much she enjoyed the class and that Margaret was one of her favorite instructors.

Messages like these are a great reminder of the difference our faculty make through their encouragement, guidance, and dedication to student success.

05/01/2026

Help us congratulate Director of MSW Student Services, CJ Hamilton, on earning his Certificate of Graduation from the Multicultural Leadership Program.

CJ is a dedicated educator, mentor, and leader within the School of Social Work. A former K-12 school social worker and Division I athlete, he is passionate about advancing mental health in athletics. While currently pursuing his doctorate, CJ continues to shape and inspire future social workers as they prepare to support vulnerable populations.

Reflecting on the experience, CJ shared: “This program expanded my ability to connect and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds. One of the most meaningful parts was working with my mentor, whose guidance played an important role in my professional growth.”

04/29/2026

🎓 Meet Kamryn Hickey!

Kamryn is a senior BSW student graduating this May and currently completing her practicum with Workforce Operations at Illinois Central College in Peoria. She recently participated in a student panel highlighting career opportunities in education, aligning with her plan to pursue a career in school social work.

https://icc.edu/news/illinois-central-college-future-teacher-summit/

04/28/2026

The Research Symposium is held each spring and offers an exciting opportunity for Illinois State University graduate and undergraduate students to showcase their scholarship, research, and creative expression.

All students enrolled at the University and engaged in scholarship, research, and creative activity under the direction of a faculty mentor are eligible to register.

This year, most of the MSW students submitted e-posters containing the research they conducted in conjunction with their field placements or special areas of interest.

Kasia Gawlik: THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY IN A GROUP UNIVERSITY COUNSELING SETTING COMPARED TO A COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL APPROACH
- Internship Placement: ISU Student Counseling Services

Miranda Hamilton: ELDERLY FALL RISK CAPSTONE PROJECT: A QUALITATIVE DESCRIPTION OF FALL-RELATED RESOURCES PROVIDED TO RESIDENTS OF AN INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY
- Internship Placement: Department of Veterans Affairs

04/21/2026

University College and the Office of the Provost have announced the 2026 Impact Award Winners. Students nominated Illinois State University faculty, staff, and student employees for a 2026 Impact Award. Recipients were nominated for showing exemplary support, care, and encouragement to their students.

Please join us in congratulating the following High Impact Award winners from the School of Social Work for their significant contributions to our students and to retention.

*Dr. Karen Stipp, Associate Professor
*Margaret Baker, Instructional Assistant Professor
*Dr. Stacey Wiggins, Instructional Assistant Professor
*Mendy Smith, Instructional Assistant Professor
C*J Hamilton, Coordinator, Academic Services

04/17/2026

On April 15, Dr. Stacey Wiggins and Dr. Nathan Stephens accompanied some of our School of Social Work students to attend the NASW-IL Chapter Advocacy Day. This is an annual day of action that takes place in Springfield, IL where participants meet with local legislators to speak on current emerging issues in the state of Illinois as well to lobby for or against legislation that me be voted for.

Advocacy Day attendees were split up by their senate and house districts and led by an NASW-Illinois Chapter Lobby Leader to meetings at the Illinois State Capitol building with elected officials. A brief, 30-minute pre-event virtual training was presented to educate all participants about the anticipated bills up for vote the week of Advocacy Day; those who weren't able to participate in the live training would have access to a recording of training.

At Advocacy Day, participants are trained by NASW-Illinois Chapter Lobby Leaders on effective lobbying strategies before heading to the capitol to meet with state legislators.

04/01/2026

This year’s Social Work Day was held on March 30, 2026, at the ISU Alumni Center. While the event is a required experience for all BSW students, it was also attended by MSW students, field partners, faculty, and staff, along with Jim and Beth Haney, who joined us in memory of their son, Kirk Haney ’95, a former student in the School of Social Work.

The 2026 theme, Holding the Line: Purpose, Power, and the Future of Social Work, highlighted the critical role social workers play in strengthening communities and advocating for change. We extend our sincere appreciation to our guest speakers who generously shared their time and expertise, providing valuable insight and inspiration to the next generation of social work professionals.