Alumni Spotlights

We are proud of our alumni who work in various social work positions locally, nationally and internationally. Throughout the year, we will feature alumni in articles or Q&A's.

Steven Nicholson, MSW ’16

Steven Nicholson works for Georgetown University as a social work staff clinician and manager advising students. But his skills and career resources were honed at USC’s Master of Social Work program.
One person at a time

After the 2016 election, Melissa Watson Ward was ready for a career change. She was working at a nonprofit poverty reduction program in South Carolina but didn’t feel she was having the impact she wanted on improving clients’ lives.
Community historian encourages African American families to tell their own stories

Building and understanding community has motivated Jackie Whitmore since he was captivated by his grandmother’s family stories during his childhood in Columbia, South Carolina. It led him to a career in social work and fueled a passion for African American history in his home state.
Arrest diversion program offers nonviolent offenders resources and a second chance

LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Deflection), a new partnership between the West Columbia Police Department and the S.C. Department of Mental Health, is a community-based alternative to prosecution.
MSW graduate will share the healing power of horses when she starts dream job in August

Alumna Averie Douglass rekindled her passion for horses during her graduate work at USC. After a break from riding, she discovered equine-assisted therapy, blending her love for horses with her social work studies.

College of Social Work

Alumni Spotlights

Steven Nicholson, MSW ’16

One person at a time

Community historian encourages African American families to tell their own stories

Arrest diversion program offers nonviolent offenders resources and a second chance

MSW graduate will share the healing power of horses when she starts dream job in August

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.