SPRINGFIELD, Mo. –– Three students and a faculty member from the Evangel University Social Work Program will present at the 63rd annual North American Association of Christians in Social Work (NACSW) Convention.
The convention will be held Thursday–Sunday, Oct. 17–20, in Atlanta, Ga. The theme for this year is “Social Justice: Contributions of Faith and Spirituality.”
Attending the conference will be senior social work students Taylor King, Maria McKinny and Lauren Owsley along with faculty members Donna Washburn, behavioral sciences department chair, and Lacey Nunnally, social work program director.
- King, McKinny and Owsley will be presenting a session titled “How to Run an Effective Student Organization.” Owsley, president of the campus’ social work club, spearheaded the project and submitted the proposal a few months ago.
“The presentation will highlight areas on how to run an organization, from marketing the club to making a difference,” Owsley said.
“Presenting at a national conference is a résumé builder for a future job or graduate school application,” Nunnally said.
- Washburn will be presenting on the use of a therapeutic support group for college students struggling with family issues. Her presentation is based on a two-year project in conjunction with her Ph.D. studies at Regent University.
“As a professional social worker and an academic, I enjoy every opportunity to present in my field,” Washburn said.
Students will also meet others in social work programs from around the country and attend presentations by top scholars. Some of the speakers will include Elisabeth Omilami, CEO and president of Hosea Feed The Hungry, one of Atlanta’s most historic human service organizations, and Dr. Michael Parker, professor of social work at the University of Alabama.
“One way students are socialized into the profession is by attending national conferences. Through this, they begin to understand the value of networking with Christian social workers across America and discover additional options for graduate school,” Nunnally said.
For additional information, contact Melissa Summerville at (417) 865-2815, ext. 8622.