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USF Sarasota-Manatee’s first Masters-level graduates of Social Work program already helping local community

SARASOTA, FL, (December 16, 2005) – More than 20 community-minded graduate students at USF Sarasota-Manatee are already helping local residents sort out some of the area’s social challenges and family problems -- even before the students pick up their diplomas.

They are the first 23 graduates from USF Sarasota-Manatee’s new Master of Social Work (MSW) program and they will receive their master’s degrees on Sunday, December 18, 2005 during fall convocation ceremonies for USF Sarasota-Manatee.

“From family services to public health, our students are integrally involved with -- and committed to -- helping local organizations,” said Jane Roberts, USF Sarasota-Manatee assistant professor of Social Work.

Such dedication in the field has fostered an equally strong commitment in the classroom and camaraderie among students.

“My classmates and I have maintained close relationships and have helped each other through the sometimes grueling process, knowing that we’ll emerge as competent professionals better able to help our fellow human beings,” noted Joyce Yontz, one of the students in the masters-level program. “As the first MSW class, we also feel we have set a precedent for our colleagues who will follow in this program.”

Kathy Black, assistant professor of Social Work, explained that the new program prepares graduates for leadership in advanced social work practice within the areas of clinical practice (such as physical health, family and children services, and mental health) and policy, planning and administration (such as management, policy planning, program development, research, and service delivery).

“We give our students the complete set of tools – from strengthening their clinical skills to understanding the channels, organizational policies and government regulations that influence their work,” said Black. “These graduates have the skills and savvy to present their proposals to the right committees and organizations to affect real change.” 

For example, this rigorous and comprehensive educational experience has prepared MSW student Doug Staley to make a difference in the lives of children now. While studying for his Master’s degree at USF Sarasota-Manatee, Staley also continued his job as the Child Protection Team Program Director for the Child Protection Center, Inc. 

“No one agency can handle the problem of child maltreatment on its own. We need a multidisciplinary approach,” said Staley. “The Department of Children and Families, law enforcement, the state attorney’s office, Guardian Ad Litem, and the school system all must work as a group.”  

“That’s the focus of the work we do here -- we prevent kids from falling through the cracks and help put lives back together,” added Staley. 

Staley, who is married and the father of three children, advises anyone considering getting a bachelor’s or master’s degree to jump in.  

“For those of us with families, it’s a huge time commitment and your loved ones make sacrifices, too. But graduation day won’t come any sooner if you don’t start now,” said Staley. “I look forward to the ceremony and celebration -- I feel that my family is graduating with me.” 

“My youngest is looking forward to having dad around more,” added Staley.

The MSW program is currently offered as a three-year, part-time cohort – enabling students to keep their regular jobs while furthering their education toward a Master’s degree. For more information on Social Work programs at USF Sarasota-Manatee, call (941)359-4200 or visit www.sarasota.usf.edu.

This Sunday’s commencement ceremonies for USF Sarasota-Manatee will be held at the Manatee Civic Center, located at One Haben Place in Palmetto. 

USF Sarasota-Manatee is an upper-level campus for those with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree who are interested in earning a baccalaureate or master’s degree, professional certification, or continuing education credit. The regional campus offers the prestige of a national Research I university with the convenience of a hometown campus, including classes in south Sarasota County at MCC Venice.