When I came to the School of Social Work at Texas State University - San Marcos in 2001, I was impressed by two factors: 1) the School offers a solid, well planned curriculum that actually prepares students for the real work of social services, and 2) people in this School are truly friendly, approachable, and interested in the well-being and success of students and graduates. It is an environment in which learning is fun and comfortable. And the mission of the School--which is to prepare social workers who can work effectively with the most vulnerable, under-served people in our society--is a mission which both inspires students and faculty, and encourages them to expect great (and often difficult) things of themselves.

The Texas State School of Social Work is also developing creative ways to extend education and to conduct research. We have approximately $2.3 million in federal grants to enhance education for first-generation college students, and for rural child welfare workers. We offer our MSW degree on-line, and we have satellite MSW degree programs in Victoria, Texas and Round Rock, Texas. With our Title IV-E stipend program for students interested in child welfare work, we distribute about $180,000 per year in student aid.

All our faculty members are licensed by the state, and they are committed to excellent social services. Our graduates have a first-time pass rate of about 90% on the state licensing tests, which is, in part, a reflection of our strong classroom content and our excellent field practicum program.

Our nation and our world desperately need the talents and the skills of social workers who are committed to the neediest among us. Texas State School of Social Work is stretching itself to help address those needs and to create a more humane world. Let us know if you want to join that effort!

Dorinda N. Noble, PhD., LCSW