Missouri State University Social Work Programs

05/26/2026

What happens when history and social work come together? Powerful learning experiences for students.

This spring, Missouri State undergraduate social work students had the opportunity to engage with internationally recognized journalist, filmmaker, and human rights advocate Shiori Itō through a collaborative event between the Social Work Programs and the History Department. Students explored topics including trauma, advocacy, gender equity, human rights, and the importance of understanding complex human experiences through multiple perspectives.

We're especially proud that BSW Program seniors Hannah Byers and Breauna Cater helped lead the discussion, creating a meaningful student-centered learning experience that connected classroom concepts to real-world social work practice.

Thank you to Professor Stacy Johnson, Dr. Linshan Jiang, and everyone who helped make this collaboration possible!

Read more about the event here:

Dr. Linshan Jiang and Ms. Stacy Johnson both saw value in having their students hear about Itō’s experiences.

05/18/2026

Attention Missouri State Social Work Programs alumni! Missouri State University recently announced an important change regarding university email and account access for former students and alumni. Beginning July 1, 2026, university accounts (including email) will eventually be removed after a student has not attended for one academic year. Alumni with currently active accounts will receive advance notice before any account removal occurs.

We strongly encourage our alumni to read the full Information Services blog post linked below and begin updating any important accounts, professional contacts, licensure information, professional organizations, subscriptions, networking platforms, or employment-related logins currently tied to their Missouri State email address.

Please take a few minutes to review the information and plan ahead:

For many years, the University has allowed alumni and former students to keep their University email account indefinitely. As our services and threat landscape have evolved, we have taken a fresh look at the long-term cost and security implications of maintaining accounts that are no longer tied to....

05/11/2026

We would like to share an important update from our BSW Program while also recognizing the incredible contributions of one of our colleagues. (Pictured: Professor Salina Bollinger, left; Professor Regina Russell, right.)

After 12 years in practicum leadership, Professor Regina Russell will be stepping down from the role of BSW Practicum Coordinator and returning to full-time faculty. Professor Russell began as the coordinator of practicum education for both the BSW and MSW Programs and later transitioned into the BSW-specific role when the position was split in 2019.

Throughout this time, Professor Russell has been instrumental in shaping our practicum program and supporting student success. This leadership was especially critical during two successful accreditation reaffirmation cycles, and the impact on our students, community partners, and program will be lasting. We are deeply grateful for Professor Russell’s dedication and service.

We are also pleased to share that Professor Salina Bollinger will step into the role of BSW Practicum Coordinator beginning this fall. Since joining the faculty in 2021, Professor Bollinger has brought extensive experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, including providing trauma-informed therapy to adolescents, serving as a medical social worker in hospice care, and leading community-based programs supporting young parents and families. Professor Bollinger also has significant experience in program coordination, grant administration, supervising practicum students and staff, and building partnerships with community agencies. As an alum of both our BSW and MSW programs, Professor Bollinger brings a strong connection to our mission and students.

Professor Russell and Professor Bollinger will be working together this summer to ensure a smooth transition.

Please join us in thanking Professor Russell for her outstanding service and in welcoming Professor Bollinger into this important role!

05/09/2026

Congratulations to all of our social work students who graduated yesterday! We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and can’t wait to see the impact you will make in the communities you serve.

05/07/2026

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The Victim Center

Make a difference in someone’s healing journey. 💜

Volunteer advocates provide compassionate support, comfort, and resources to victims of violent and sexual crimes through a 24-hour phone line.

Flexible scheduling allows you to pick times that work for you!

Get started today: thevictimcenter.org | (417) 863-7273 or scan the QR code!

Alt Text: Image of a flyer promoting volunteer advocate opportunities through The Victim Center. The flyer explains that volunteer advocates provide compassionate support, comfort, and resources to victims of violent or sexual crimes through a 24-hour phone line. It encourages community members to get involved and notes that volunteers can choose times that fit their schedules. Contact information includes thevictimcenter.org and (417) 863-7273.

05/07/2026

We would like to take the opportunity to spotlight one of our Spring 2026 Master of Social Work graduate students, Amy Hoffman! Recently, Amy was honored by The Victim Center as their “Volunteer of the Year”; an award she received with great surprise and gratitude.

Amy began volunteering with The Victim Center after seeing a post through the Missouri State University School of Social Work in 2025. Since then, she has served as a Volunteer Victim Advocate, supporting individuals through the organization’s 24/7 crisis hotline by providing crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, and resource referrals to victims of violent crime.

Throughout her volunteer experience, Amy has demonstrated compassion, empathy, and a strong commitment to serving others. She credits the role with strengthening the skills she has learned throughout her MSW education while also allowing her to support survivors during some of their most difficult moments.

Amy hopes to continue helping spread awareness about the important work that The Victim Center provides. She encourages others interested in advocacy, trauma-informed care, or community service to consider volunteering. The Victim Center offers extensive training, ongoing support, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the community. 💙

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering , please visit https://www.thevictimcenter.org/volunteer/

Alt text: Two-photo social media post recognizing Spring 2026 MSW graduate Amy Hoffman as The Victim Center’s “Volunteer of the Year.” The first image shows Amy smiling while holding her award. The second image is a close-up photo of the plaque displaying her name and recognition for the award. The accompanying post highlights Amy’s work as a Volunteer Victim Advocate supporting survivors through a 24/7 crisis hotline and recognizes her compassion, advocacy, and commitment to serving others.

04/29/2026

Social work faculty and staff attended the 3rd Annual MCHHS Awards Banquet, coming together to celebrate achievements and recognize contributions within the programs.

Congratulations to all who received awards!

04/28/2026

JOB OPENINGS: Missouri State Public Defender Holistic Defense Services

Looking to make a real impact in Missouri communities? The Missouri State Public Defender’s Holistic Defense Services program is hiring statewide for multiple roles, including AmeriCorps Holistic Advocates, Development VISTAs, and Mitigation Specialists.

These positions support a holistic defense model that connects clients to housing, mental health care, substance use treatment, transportation, and other resources while improving case outcomes and community stability.

📍 Statewide opportunities | 2026–2027 start dates
📩 Contact: Gwen Wotawa – [email protected]
🌐 Apply: mocareers.mo.gov

04/23/2026

Take Back the Night
We’re sharing an upcoming campus event hosted by SGA: Take Back the Night—a space to center lived experiences, honor survivors, and come together in solidarity to end sexual violence.

🗓 Wednesday, April 29
⏰ 7:30–9:00 PM
📍 PSU North Mall

Hear survivors. Support survivors. Stand in solidarity.
The evening will include a candlelight vigil honoring survivors, followed by a walk through campus to raise awareness and reclaim space.

Representatives from the MSU Counseling Center and Campus Safety will be present to provide support throughout the event.

Attendees are encouraged to dress comfortably and wear walking shoes.

04/23/2026

Join us to connect, celebrate, and wrap up the semester with students from MCHHS and Sponsored Students from International Programs.

Tuesday, April 28 at 3:30 PM at Mother’s Brewing Company.
Flyer with full details attached. We hope to see you there!