Hoover native completes MSW-MPH program By David Miller April 27, 2021 Niya Bonner could see the disparities of the “black experience” all around her. Her relatives in rural areas and inner cities in Alabama experienced the same barriers to affordable medication and healthcare. And, as Bonner grew older and began to understand how diabetes and…
By Adam Jones April 27, 2021 Like it was yesterday, Destiny McFall remembers the day she was dropped off at a foster family at age 8 with more questions than possessions, more hurt than hope. She could not have known then, but that day began a journey of finding belonging, self-worth and confidence needed to…
Mississippi natives play pivotal role in COVID vaccination campaign By David Miller April 21, 2021 With just 12 hours until the launch of their community vaccination drive, Kyesha Davis and Nekkita Beans were dealt bad news. The pair, responsible for the marketing and promotion of the “Don’t Miss Your Shot” vaccine drive for Ward 8…
Three-time SSW alumna studies nursing homes’ capacity to nurture spousal relationships By David Miller March 15, 2021 COVID-19 wasn’t supposed to play a factor in Dr. Shanae Shaw’s dissertation, but, like every other aspect of day-to-day life during the pandemic, she’s learned and adapted. For Shaw, the COVID health protocols impacted the latter stages of…
MSW alumna aspires to work with children who’ve been abused or trafficked *Editor’s note: this story originally appeared in the 2019-2020 edition of Outreach Aug. 19, 2020By David Miller Shortly after earning her undergraduate degree in psychology, Christina Jones accepted a job in a law office. It was initially a temporary job to bridge to…
Tuskegee native overcomes string of challenges to complete MSW By David Miller July 30, 2020 “Better late than never.” “If at first you don’t succeed …” Both of these phrases aptly describe Cynthia Perry’s path to completing her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Alabama School of Social Work. Perry, a seasoned…
Study will explore psychosocial needs of military members, dependents diagnosed with cancer By David Miller July 8, 2020 Kelli Godfrey’s bout with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2014 lasted six months before she was declared cancer-free. Reaching remission was and still remains a blessing, but as a military spouse, she was uniquely isolated to navigate the arduous…
Motivated by Child’s Victimization, MSW Grad Thankful for GRA Role on DOJ Grant By David Miller May 1, 2020 Two years would pass before Melody Higgins knew her daughter had been a victim of human sex trafficking. The abuse was familial prior to Higgins and her husband, David Higgins, fostering and later adopting the girl,…
McNair Fellow who Suffered Homelessness as Child to Begin Work with Homeless Vets By David Miller April 29, 2020 Eviction notices. Homeless shelters. Conditional living arrangements. For a brief period during sixth grade and during two years of high school, Rebekah Koen and her family navigated the challenges of homelessness in Central Alabama. Housing services…
Veteran Law Enforcement, Corrections Officer Inspired by Mother’s Work at DHR By David Miller April 28, 2020 Brad Barber was “born into social work.” His family has owned and operated Tri-Wil, Inc., a residential treatment facility for youth in Bibb County, for 30 years. His mother, Pamela Brown, works at Tri-Wil and previously worked for…
