Dr. Isiah Marshall Jr. speaks at Alcorn’s Department of Social Work Open House
Alcorn State University’s Department of Social Work opened its doors to students, faculty and staff interested in learning more about the program.
The Department held its Open House event Thursday, Nov. 17 in Dumas Hall. Students, faculty and staff attended the event to get a feel for what the Department has to offer. The program’s presenters discussed the Department’s admission requirements, curriculum, career and graduate school opportunities and student activities.
Dr. Isiah Marshall Jr., associate dean and professor at Jackson State University, was the event’s keynote speaker. Other presenters at the event were Dionna Evans, Mississippi Department of Human Services-Child Protection Services, Dr. Joey Mitchell, director for Alcorn Career Services, Dr. Wandra Arrington, assistant director for Alcorn’s Honors Curriculum Program, Jessica Delk, program coordinator for the Warren-Yazoo Behavioral Services, and Alcorn’s social work faculty and staff.
In his speech, Marshall focused on the history of social work and how multiple ethnic groups made a contribution to the establishment of the profession. He also encouraged the students to advance their skills, run for office in the future and make a difference for all social workers.
“Skills and knowledge such as globalization, technology and community organizing are necessary in moving the profession to a new level,” said Marshall. “I encourage the students to consider running for office in order to change policies on the local, state and national level.”
Marshall thinks that taking time to speak to students about social work is a key component to the profession’s progress.
“I think when given the opportunity to share knowledge about the profession of social work, you must seize the moment. I feel it’s necessary for educators to raise the next generation of leaders that will be a voice for the marginalized and oppressed. The great part about it is that it starts on campus, and it continues in their communities. Then they will have the power to reach audiences nationally and globally.”
Dr. Dorothy Idleburg, chair and professor in the Department of Social Work, said that the event was a good career guide for social work students.
“The message that Dr. Marshall and the other speakers gave was informative, insightful and focused on preparing students for excellence and success in their educational and career endeavors,” said Idleburg.
At the end of the event, Idleburg presented Marshall with a certificate of appreciation for his longtime commitment to the field of social wo
