March 19, 2019 (Jackson, Miss.) - The Belhaven Social Work Department recently hosted Dr. Kathleen Wehrmann, president of National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
While on campus, Dr. Wehrmann talked with social work students, took a campus tour andlater met with Belhaven Provost Dr. Bradford Smith.“This was a unique opportunity for students to hear directly from the NASW president on topics of growth and leadership within the field of social work,” said Dr. Patricia Williams, assistant professor and department chair.
She added, “Our students were inspired and affirmed in their choice of social work as a career field. Also, they were reminded that they are joining a well-respected profession with many areas of service and leadership available.”
Dr. Wehrmann leads an organization with over 120,000 members across the nation, yet she values meeting students face-to-face. She affirmed students in their choice of social work as a career and shared that the career is broad and they can actually work in any area of choice to serve and care for people. She also stressed the importance of preparedness for leadership and the unique skills social workers must possess to work with vulnerable populations.
Belhaven was thesecond stopof a trip across Mississippi. She visited Mississippi State University's Meridian campus and ended her trip at Delta State University.
Founded in 1955, NASW is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with more than 120,000members.NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.