Contact Us
Academic Programs
Licensure
Student Resources
Admission
Center for Social Justice
Careers
Scholarships
Continuing Education
Faculty & Staff
Faculty Research
Accreditation
Did any one person or thing influence you to be a social worker?
It has been the nature of my family in general to be servant-leaders in the community. It just came naturally to me.
What do you like the best about the social work program at USI?
The application process was very efficient. When I was entertaining going back to school, I met with Christy Baker and she and the entire department moved things along very expediently. I was so surprised how quick and easy it was.
What was your favorite college course?
I really enjoyed the policy side of the classes. We had these classes during the presidential primaries and it made discussion that more interesting and relevant.
What was your first job as a social worker?
I was a maternity transition caseworker. I worked with pregnant teens. I learned a lot about the community services available to families, behavior disorders, psychotropic medicines and family dynamics. It was eye opening.
Where do you work now as a social worker?
I was hired to the executive director of a new program with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, called Southwestern Indiana College Access Network. I am the entire staff of this department that is charged with targeting low income students and giving them the resources, mentors and encouragement to pursue a post-secondary education. We are still in the developing stages. I have a lot of work to do. But I have great support and partners in this project.
What is the most demanding part of your job?
Since I am currently a staff of one, it is trying to find the balance between establishing a new organization and having a personal life. I went to bed at 3:30 a.m. one morning, and was at work at 7:30 a.m. Getting this off the ground is more than a 40-hour a week job. Having a good support system is really a blessing. The school corporation, the mayor, the steering committee are very invested in this program. The community wants our underserved children be successful. I feel like I have an army of supporters out there helping to move things forward.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
It’s knowing at the end, when his partnership is all up and running, the changes that this will make in a child’s life. Children will know there are no limitations or barriers to them if they want to go to college.
If you could choose any occupation (no limits) what would it be?
I would be involved in policy reform. I would serve on Barak Obama’e cabinet in education and welfare reform.
USI Home | Academics | Calendar | Athletics | Visitors | Events and News | Administration
8600 University Boulevard - Evansville, IN 47712-3596 - 812/464-8600
Copyright © 2009 University of Southern Indiana. All rights reserved.
