Alabama State University, the historically Black educational institution in Montgomery, recently awarded its first degrees from its master in social work program. Seven students were awarded master’s degrees, all of whom previously had earned bachelor’s degrees in social work at the university. The bachelor’s degree program in social work was established in 1989.
The seven students who are the first to hold master of social work degrees from Alabama State University are: Karlesha Watson, Keajah Franklin, Brittany Myrick, Melvin Morgan, Kiawanna Gordon-Dewberry, Kera James, and N’Keya Boone.
Turenza Smith, interim chair of the Department of Social Work and MSW program director, said that “members of this inaugural class were very instrumental in the ground phases of development of ASU’s MSW program. They contributed by providing letters of support, participating in focus groups and in the different phases of the accreditation process. And ultimately, they became the first students to enroll in and graduate from the program. This inaugural class will enter their communities as advanced-level social work practitioners and administrators, carrying on ASU’s legacy and upholding its mission of professional competence, responsible citizenship and service.”
Dr. Smith is a graduate of the University at Buffalo of the State University of New York System. She earned a master of social work degree at the University of Alabama and a Ph.D. in social work from Jackson State University in Mississippi.
