Social Work Program Hosts Field Training Luncheon
Posted on July 28, 2025
The University of South Alabama’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program recently recognized approximately 20 of its Gulf Coast partner agencies at the 3rd annual Field Supervisors Training and Luncheon.
“Field Supervisors do not receive any payment for their services. They volunteer to have a senior level student in their agency for a semester,” said Laurie Haas, USA social work field instruction coordinator. “They provide intensive supervision and really assist in bringing the theory that the student has learned in the classroom into the agency setting.”
In addition to acknowledging the program’s partners, individual awards were presented at the luncheon. The Bankhead award, named in honor of longtime adjunct professor Melanie Bankhead, who was instrumental in creating the social work program in 2005, went to Christina Boyington with the South Alabama Regional Area on Aging.
Montelicia Assantes, who works for the Gulf Coast Family Center, received the Alumni award.
Dr. Samuel Bethel, an assistant professor in South’s social work program, spoke on social work in healthcare.
This year marks the program’s 20th anniversary. It’s accredited by the Council on Social Work Education to prepare students for practice in areas such as child welfare, mental health, family services, public health, criminal justice and substance abuse treatment.
“Social work is a very broad field, and professional social workers work in many settings,” said Dr. Nancy Kelley, professor and director of social work. “Field practicum is vital for our students as it helps them develop their professional identity. They learn what it means to be a social worker, not just what social workers do.”
