National Social Work Month spotlights Lipscomb’s Department of Sociology and Social Work
Anica Gilbert |
March month is National Social Work month, and Lipscomb’s Department of Sociology and Social Work is on the frontlines of preparing the next generation of professionals.
Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the Department of Social Work and Sociology at Lipscomb University offers academically strong, culturally relevant programs for students to become competent, compassionate social workers who exhibit Christ-likeness through interpersonal sensitivity, sacrificial service, academic excellence, professional passion and personal integrity. Students prepare for careers in a variety of sectors through classroom training and 500 hours of supervised field practicum work.
This year in particular, social workers have been essential. In the midst of the pandemic, social workers have continued to selflessly serve alongside health care professionals, store employees, transportation personnel, and other essential workers. Social work aims to serve communities and individuals by valuing justice, human dignity, relationships, and compassion. At Lipscomb, the social work department aims to teach these ideals with the goal of imitating Christ in mind.
Alumni of Lipscomb’s social work department are case managers, counselors, social workers, administrators, supervisors, attorneys and human resource managers. They work in hospitals, schools, counseling agencies, courts, nursing homes, mental health centers, foster and adoption agencies, child advocacy agencies, agencies on aging, at dialysis clinics, in community outreach programs and even government.
The social work department at Lipscomb produces dedicated and passionate professionals who seek to make a difference in their communities. However, there are plenty of opportunities for students to make an impact while they are still in the program. Recently, the social work student organization Pi Beta Sigma (PBS), under the leadership of student Ashley Berry, partnering with Davison County Juvenile Court, organized a “Safe Babies Supply Drive.” The group was able to fill two large plastic bins with items and collected over $400 in donations. Items collected included, baby wipes, body wash, shampoo, diapers, toiletry bags, personal care items, socks. Students from Theta Psi and Delta Omega social clubs also supported the PBS students.
Berry, a junior Bachelor of Social Work major, is grateful for the growth she has experienced during her time at Lipscomb and in the social work department.
“Being a part of PBS and the social work department is such a unique and exciting opportunity because through events like the Safe Baby Drive, we are able to bring together so many different corners of the Lipscomb community to help those within our greater Nashville community,” said Berry. “Being a social work major has been one of the greatest decisions I've made in college and I love getting to come to school everyday and do what I love with students and staff that love each other so well.”
Rebecca Clark
Rebecca Clark, the Social Work program director and department chair, is taking time to recognize the important work done in the profession during the month of March.
"Social Work offers a career with meaning, satisfaction, and the opportunity to make a difference with individuals, families, and communities. I am honored to walk with individuals, particularly students, as they seek to discern their purpose and place in this world,” Clark said. “The field of social work, and our social work program at Lipscomb, is focused on hearing and including ALL voices, and seeking to create structures that provide safe spaces to promote inclusion and equity."
Learn more about Lipscomb’s Bachelor of Social Work program, visit www.lipscomb.edu/socialwork.