Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Have a great break!!
Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable winter break! We'll see you all next semester!
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Check out this great news!
Ashland University has been named one of the top 15 "overperforming schools" by U.S. News and World Report! For more information, click here.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Buhrman
Jessica graduated from Ashland University with her degree in Social Work in May 2009. Today, she works as a Licensed Social Worker for Williams County Department of Job and Family Services in Bryan, OH. Specifically, she works as an Ongoing Caseworker for Child Protective Services. She also recently married her college sweetheart, Jake, who she met at AU! Below, check out our Q & A with Jessica to see what she’s up to and to learn about her past experiences at the university and in the social work program.
Q: What are some day-to-day duties in your current job?
A: I manage a caseload of children and their families who have been investigated due to child abuse/neglect/dependency and are in need of ongoing services. I am required to record notes, make/return phone calls, coordinate community services, write reviews of the family's progress with their case plan goals (services), attend court hearings, attend home visits with the parents and children (foster homes or own homes) and transport children or parents to any visits or appointments they may have.
Q: What is the most fulfilling aspect of your occupation?
A: When a parent thanks me for my support and services and I can see that I helped make a positive change in someone's life. Also, the children that I have and continue to work with have made my job so rewarding -- I ultimately do what I do for them.
Q: While a college student, what inspired you to major in social work?
A: I initially started college as a business major and honestly did not know much about social work. During my sophomore year, I decided to find out more information about social work when a friend introduced the major to me. I met with Nancy Udolph and was inspired to start taking social work classes. I knew I have always wanted to make a difference in people's lives and I felt that by majoring in this profession, I would be doing exactly that.
Q: What was your overall impression of the social work program at AU?
A: The social work program at AU is truly remarkable. It was informative and professional. My professors prepared me for my social work occupation and provided their own experiences and knowledge that have helped shape me into a true social work professional.
Q: What advice do you have for anyone currently majoring in social work?
A: My advice is to challenge yourself and reach out for support when you need it the most, whether it be with other classmates or your professors.
Q: What characteristics do you feel are necessary to be a good social worker?
A: I believe that you have to present yourself with true professionalism and understanding into your client's needs and/or wants. I believe that you have to be well-educated in your field and know how to properly use the knowledge and tools that are provided to you. I also believe that you need to use the experiences that you have and learn from them to ensure that you grow not only has a professional, but as an individual as well.
Q: Do you feel your social work classes, field experience and other AU courses prepared you for the real world?
A: I feel that my social work classes, field experience and other AU courses have prepared me. I was able to gain knowledge in the social work field and use that knowledge as a professional. I am so thankful to all of my professors and AU for the education that I was provided.
Q: Would you recommend that prospective students attend AU? Why or why not?
A: I would recommend that prospective students attend AU, as the campus and staff are truly outstanding. The staff really care about you as an individual and help shape you into the best professional you can be.
Jessica graduated from Ashland University with her degree in Social Work in May 2009. Today, she works as a Licensed Social Worker for Williams County Department of Job and Family Services in Bryan, OH. Specifically, she works as an Ongoing Caseworker for Child Protective Services. She also recently married her college sweetheart, Jake, who she met at AU! Below, check out our Q & A with Jessica to see what she’s up to and to learn about her past experiences at the university and in the social work program.
Q: What are some day-to-day duties in your current job?
A: I manage a caseload of children and their families who have been investigated due to child abuse/neglect/dependency and are in need of ongoing services. I am required to record notes, make/return phone calls, coordinate community services, write reviews of the family's progress with their case plan goals (services), attend court hearings, attend home visits with the parents and children (foster homes or own homes) and transport children or parents to any visits or appointments they may have.
Q: What is the most fulfilling aspect of your occupation?
A: When a parent thanks me for my support and services and I can see that I helped make a positive change in someone's life. Also, the children that I have and continue to work with have made my job so rewarding -- I ultimately do what I do for them.
Q: While a college student, what inspired you to major in social work?
A: I initially started college as a business major and honestly did not know much about social work. During my sophomore year, I decided to find out more information about social work when a friend introduced the major to me. I met with Nancy Udolph and was inspired to start taking social work classes. I knew I have always wanted to make a difference in people's lives and I felt that by majoring in this profession, I would be doing exactly that.
Q: What was your overall impression of the social work program at AU?
A: The social work program at AU is truly remarkable. It was informative and professional. My professors prepared me for my social work occupation and provided their own experiences and knowledge that have helped shape me into a true social work professional.
Q: What advice do you have for anyone currently majoring in social work?
A: My advice is to challenge yourself and reach out for support when you need it the most, whether it be with other classmates or your professors.
Q: What characteristics do you feel are necessary to be a good social worker?
A: I believe that you have to present yourself with true professionalism and understanding into your client's needs and/or wants. I believe that you have to be well-educated in your field and know how to properly use the knowledge and tools that are provided to you. I also believe that you need to use the experiences that you have and learn from them to ensure that you grow not only has a professional, but as an individual as well.
Q: Do you feel your social work classes, field experience and other AU courses prepared you for the real world?
A: I feel that my social work classes, field experience and other AU courses have prepared me. I was able to gain knowledge in the social work field and use that knowledge as a professional. I am so thankful to all of my professors and AU for the education that I was provided.
Q: Would you recommend that prospective students attend AU? Why or why not?
A: I would recommend that prospective students attend AU, as the campus and staff are truly outstanding. The staff really care about you as an individual and help shape you into the best professional you can be.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Exciting news!
We are pleased to announce that 100 percent of our recent AU social work graduates passed the Association of Social Work Board exam! (And on their first attempt!)
Many congratulations to our alumni on this great achievement.
Many congratulations to our alumni on this great achievement.
Monday, August 13, 2012
One week until classes begin!
Exactly one week until the fall semester begins! We're looking forward to seeing new and familiar faces on campus. Be sure to visit this blog throughout the semester for news and updates related to AU and the Social Work program!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Congratulations to Samantha Kauf!
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| Congrats Sam! |
As the regional winner from Region 8 (Canton Area), Sam was selected out of a group of award winners from the eight NASW Ohio Chapter regions. She was selected by a majority vote made by the Regional Directors from each of these regions.
Sam will be honored at the NASW's state awards reception this fall. Congratulations!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Welcome, Dr. Jason McKinney (and Sherwin)!
The Social Work Department is pleased to welcome Jason McKinney, PhD, our newest faculty member! Dr. McKinney will be arriving in Ashland from New York State just in time for the fall semester. As an introduction, we asked Jason to tell us a bit about himself and an issue that he feels passionately about.
From Dr. McKinney:
Meet Sherwin
As a small and timid puppy, he was found wandering around the village of Geneva. In addition to his short hair and fawn color, he had white spots randomly dispersed throughout his coat. While the white on his chest and belly was fur, the white scattered elsewhere was paint. As a result of his painted coat, the shelter workers named him “Sherwin Williams." His picture was posted online with a brief narrative that stated: “Sherwin is an energetic and loving dog, who would love to help you around the house.”
Despite the nice narrative posted on the internet, young Sherwin's future would be plagued with a terrible reputation based on appearance and stereotypes. Even though he was very cute, he had a particular shape to his face that would cause him endless trials and discrimination. Sherwin is an American Pit Bull Terrier. Despite the growing number of persons educated about the real American Pit Bull Terrier, I can't help but focus on the uninformed. Trying to convince my own family members to welcome Sherwin was quite the task.
My mother shared stories about pit bulls attacking their owners without any warning or reason. They warned me that I should keep my face far from Sherwin, as he could attack. After several visits, however, their perception began to change. My step-father said to my mother, "If we ever get another dog, I want Pit Bull." I could not believe my ears. I had anticipated that convincing my father to welcome Sherwin would be another arduous task, as he had his own story of being chased by a growling pit bull (or a dog that resembled how he imagined a pit bull).
After observing Sherwin interact with other dogs, my Father was in disbelief. He was so impressed that he began to tell the rest of the family about Sherwin’s obedience and self control around other dogs. He then started to read about Pit Bulls, and discovered how dependable they can be when raised in a healthy environment with the right training. After having spent much of his life, spreading dislike for the breed and advocating for their end, my father said he would love to own a Pit Bull.
So that's a little about Sherwin, my best friend and side-kick. I hope you will stop by to meet him and look beyond stereotypes and image (I'm also friendly and don't bite). I'd also like to invite you to take a brief quiz to see if you can identify an American Pit Bull Terrier. There are so many mix breeds that resemble the Pit Bull. Visit http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html. As social workers, we resist discriminating based on race, gender, sexuality, and so on. Please consider joining me, after doing your own research, in resisting the movements across the United States that discriminate against dogs based on breed. It's called Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), and many large cities (e.g., NYC) have been fighting to have all American Pit Bull Terriers put down or shipped out of the county. I can't imagine being forced to put Sherwin to sleep because someone else doesn't like the breed. On a positive note... I have witnessed several success stories, from perceptions changing to friends rescuing Pit Bulls from kill shelters. The world can be made a better place, one small act of kindness at a time.
I am so eager to meet and get to know all of you! Though I am not going to be physically present until August, I will have access to email this summer. Have a warm and happy summer vacation!
Warmest regards,
Jason McKinney
From Dr. McKinney:
Meet Sherwin
As a small and timid puppy, he was found wandering around the village of Geneva. In addition to his short hair and fawn color, he had white spots randomly dispersed throughout his coat. While the white on his chest and belly was fur, the white scattered elsewhere was paint. As a result of his painted coat, the shelter workers named him “Sherwin Williams." His picture was posted online with a brief narrative that stated: “Sherwin is an energetic and loving dog, who would love to help you around the house.”
After observing Sherwin interact with other dogs, my Father was in disbelief. He was so impressed that he began to tell the rest of the family about Sherwin’s obedience and self control around other dogs. He then started to read about Pit Bulls, and discovered how dependable they can be when raised in a healthy environment with the right training. After having spent much of his life, spreading dislike for the breed and advocating for their end, my father said he would love to own a Pit Bull.
So that's a little about Sherwin, my best friend and side-kick. I hope you will stop by to meet him and look beyond stereotypes and image (I'm also friendly and don't bite). I'd also like to invite you to take a brief quiz to see if you can identify an American Pit Bull Terrier. There are so many mix breeds that resemble the Pit Bull. Visit http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html. As social workers, we resist discriminating based on race, gender, sexuality, and so on. Please consider joining me, after doing your own research, in resisting the movements across the United States that discriminate against dogs based on breed. It's called Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), and many large cities (e.g., NYC) have been fighting to have all American Pit Bull Terriers put down or shipped out of the county. I can't imagine being forced to put Sherwin to sleep because someone else doesn't like the breed. On a positive note... I have witnessed several success stories, from perceptions changing to friends rescuing Pit Bulls from kill shelters. The world can be made a better place, one small act of kindness at a time.
I am so eager to meet and get to know all of you! Though I am not going to be physically present until August, I will have access to email this summer. Have a warm and happy summer vacation!
Warmest regards,
Jason McKinney
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