MSU’s Johnson receives two-state honor for empowering next generation of social workers
Contact: Kaitlyn Yeatman
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State’s Jada Johnson is this year’s Mississippi Field Educator of the Year, earning the recognition at the 53rd annual Alabama-Mississippi Social Work Education Conference at Auburn University.
The sociology instructor and Licensed Social Worker was nominated by Jackson State University Professor of Social Work Brian Anderson.
“Over the years, I have witnessed the tremendous impact of Jada’s work at MSU and across Mississippi in advancing field education,” Anderson said. “It was an honor to nominate her for this because of her outstanding leadership, consistent commitment to student development and exceptional service to the profession at and beyond the state level. She consistently has created meaningful professional development opportunities for students, exemplifying why she deserved this.”
Johnson joined MSU in 2012 as a member of the social work faculty and assumed the roles of field coordinator and assessment coordinator in 2013. She has attained all three levels of licensure, most recently practicing in the areas of clinical services and group psychotherapy with geriatric clients.
“Being recognized for doing what I love is truly a blessing upon a blessing. Coordinating field practicum experiences for our MSU social work students is such rewarding work, and I feel continually supported in the role by our students, faculty and university leadership,” Johnson said. “With the nomination and selection of this award coming outside of our MSU family, it’s encouraging to know my efforts are acknowledged by the broader social work education community.”
The Alabama-Mississippi Social Work Education Conference is held annually for social work educators, students and practitioners representing 27 Council on Social Work Education–accredited programs across both states. It promotes collaboration and professional development through presentations, workshops and networking opportunities that highlight current topics in social work education and practice.
The Field Educator of the Year is nominated and chosen by colleagues in the field.
For more information about MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Sociology, visit www.cas.msstate.edu and www.sociology.msstate.edu/.
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