by Aron Smith
Jackson State University (JSU) marked a milestone celebrating the 30th anniversary of its School of Social Work with the “30 Years of Resilience: Recovering Thee History of the School of Social Work” event. The occasion highlighted three decades of dedication to social justice, community empowerment, and academic excellence. The event honored the pioneering leaders who established the program and spotlighted its far-reaching impact on individuals and communities across Mississippi.
Honoring the Pioneers
The celebration honored key figures, including Dr. Gwendolyn Prater, dean emerita of the School of Social Work; Dr. Jean Brooks, retired chair of the Bachelor of Social Work program; Dr. Ruth Williams, retired associate dean of the School of Social Work; and retired faculty members Dr. James Brooks, Ms. Eva Bowie Ellis, and Dr. Phyllis Hammond. These leaders were instrumental in building what is now a cornerstone of social work education in Mississippi.
“We faced many challenges in the early days, but our commitment to social justice and community service never faltered,” Prater said in her remarks. “Our mission has always been to empower students to become compassionate leaders who advocate for social justice and human dignity.”
30 Years of Resilience
Since its inception in 1994, JSU’s School of Social Work has been a cornerstone of social justice education, training generations of social workers to address critical issues such as poverty, racial inequality, and healthcare disparities.
The school’s Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs have produced leaders who are committed to tackling the complex challenges faced by communities in both urban and rural Mississippi. Graduates have gone on to become influential advocates in areas such as child welfare and mental health.
Panel Discussion: “The Legacy of Social Work”
A panel discussion, titled “The Legacy of Social Work,” was one of the highlights of the event. The panel explored the milestones, achievements, and challenges of the past 30 years, while also examining the school’s role in promoting equity and accessibility in higher education.
Panelists included:
- Senator Hillman Frazier, Mississippi State Senate District 27
- Paula Van Every, former field instructor
- Dr. Linda West, former community partner
- Dr. Sharron Williams, member of the premier MSW graduating class of 1997
The discussion addressed the significant role the School of Social Work has played in advancing social justice, community welfare, and education. Panelists also touched on the historical and economic contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Mississippi, particularly in connection with the landmark 1975 Ayers v. Fordice lawsuit, which challenged the inequitable funding of Mississippi’s Black institutions of higher learning.
“Being part of the first class was both a privilege and a responsibility,” said Williams. “We knew we were setting the stage for future generations to continue the fight for social justice.”
Frazier emphasized the school’s impact on shaping public policy, noting, “Graduates of JSU’s School of Social Work have been leaders in advocating for policies that address the real needs of our communities. Their work is vital to creating a more equitable Mississippi.”
Mural Dedication: A Lasting Tribute
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of a mural dedicated to the legacy of the program’s founders. The mural, located in the School of Social Work-Master of Social Work Program building, honors Dr. Gwendolyn Prater, Dr. Ruth Williams, Ms. Eva Bowie Ellis, Dr. James Brooks, Dr. Jean Brooks, and Dr. Phyllis Hammond.
This tribute symbolizes as a powerful reminder of the vision and determination of those who laid the groundwork for the School of Social Work, which now boasts the only Ph.D. program in social work in Mississippi. The mural is a lasting symbol of their contributions, meant to inspire current and future students to continue their legacy of advocacy and social change.