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Department of Social Work

Student Social Work Organization

The Student Social Work Organization is a student organization for anyone with an interest in social work.  SSWO was re-established in September 1993 at MTSU under the initiation of Flip Leonard, a social work student, who served as president until 1994. Currently, Dr. Ariana Postlethwait serves as the SSWO faculty advisor.

Motto

Students reaching out to make a difference

Colors

Blue and Yellow

Mission

The mission of SSWO is to (a) advance excellence in social work practice, (b) encourage members, (c) provide an opportunity for members to socialize with peers and colleagues, and (d) provide opportunities for students to participate in various learning experiences. Former projects have included hosting parties for children, providing meals for people experiencing homelessness, food drives, voter registration drives, donating money to the Honduras Project, book drives, hosting distinguished lectures events, and making bows for Child Abuse Awareness month. SSWO also sponsors events for members such as guest speakers, seminars, social gatherings, and fundraisers. A newsletter is produced each semester as well.

SSWO is comprised consists of students who would like (a) an opportunity to meet other students also interested in social work, (b) to keep current on issues related to the social work profession, (c) to attend conferences, and (d) to participate in  social service activities in the community. SSWO is a great way to reach out, make new friends, and make a difference.

Membership

SSWO is an informal organization that meets regularly during fall and spring semesters. Members include students of various majors, genders, race/ethnicities, ages, and backgrounds. Applications for membership can be obtained in the Department of Social Work office located in the Academic Classroom Building, suite 130. Dues are $10.00 per semester and may be submitted to the Social Work office along with a completed application. Checks, cash, and some electronic methods of payment are accepted and should be made out to the Student Social Work Organization.

Contact Us

Department of Social Work
615-898-2868

Congratulations to our outstanding faculty!

Dr. Carmelita Dotson, John Pleas Honoree

Dr. Cathy McElderry, Women's History Month Trailblazer 2025

Maigan Wipfli, director of the June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., presents the 2025 Women’s National History Month Faculty Trailblazer Award to MTSU Department of Social Work professor Cathy McElderry at the inaugural Women’s Celebration Dinner and annual Trailblazer Awards held Wednesday, March 5, in the Student Union Ballroom on campus. (MTSU photos by Cat Curtis Murphy)

Professor Violet Cox-Wingo, Harold Love Community Service Award

This annual award from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission recognizes students, faculty, and staff in Tennessee higher education who are providing exceptional public service to their communities. A task force of higher education professionals reviewed nominations from across the state, and you were determined to represent the best of the best in the Volunteer State!

Violet Cox-Wingo