Health and Human Services News

Social work programs reaffirmed through 2033

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Missouri State University’s social work programs have been reaffirmed through 2033 by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). 

The renewal verifies that both the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and the Master of Social Work (MSW) programs meet national educational standards. For students, it protects eligibility for licensure and reinforces professional credibility after graduation. 

Program structure and milestones 

The BSW program has been continuously accredited since 1977 and will mark 50 years of accredited social work education in 2027. It enrolled 134 students in spring 2026. 

Dr. Michele Brown (left) and Heather Eckhart (right).
Dr. Michele Brown (left) and Heather Eckhart (right).

The MSW program enrolled 142 students this spring and continues Missouri State’s decades of nationally recognized social work education since the 1970s. 

“During the recent review cycle, we worked with faculty and practicum leaders to align the MSW curriculum, policies and procedures with CSWE standards,” said Dr. Michele Brown, MSW program coordinator. “That work led to a virtual site visit in April 2025 and official reaffirmation in November 2025.” 

The review also included coordination of field education led by Heather Eckhart, clinical assistant professor in the MSW program. Her practicum oversight contributed to the program’s preparation throughout the review process. 

The BSW program completed a comprehensive review during the same cycle. According to Natalie Curry, BSW program coordinator, the process spanned nearly two years and focused on documenting curriculum alignment and assessment outcomes, with practicum serving as the signature pedagogy of social work education. 

Working closely with Regina Russell, clinical professor and BSW practicum coordinator, Curry helped demonstrate how the program meets accreditation requirements. The BSW program received official reaffirmation in November 2025. 

“Having our accreditation reaffirmed demonstrates the university’s longstanding commitment to high-quality social work education,” Curry said. 

Practical training from the onset 

Field education is central to both programs. The review process affirms that practicum placements meet supervision and learning expectations across sites and community settings. 

For MSW students, Brown noted that the review strengthened alignment between coursework, practicum education and workforce preparation, reinforcing graduates’ readiness for effective practice. 

Curry described accreditation as foundational for students beginning their careers. 

“Accreditation provides confidence that students are receiving an education aligned with national professional standards and preparing them for competent, ethical generalist practice,” she said. 

“Graduating from an accredited BSW program can support eligibility for advanced standing in many MSW programs. It can also help meet licensure requirements in states that recognize the bachelor’s-level social work credential.”

Natalie Curry (left) and Regina Russell (right).
Natalie Curry (left) and Regina Russell (right).

A growing impact 

Reviewers highlighted strengths reflected in students’ day-to-day experiences. MSW students described a well-rounded education that integrates theory and practice while reinforcing the cycle of practice-informed research and research-informed practice. 

In the BSW program, the site visit report described a strong sense of pride across stakeholder groups. It also noted a welcoming, inclusive learning environment where students reported feeling supported, heard and valued by their instructors. 

Both Brown and Curry see this milestone as part of an ongoing process, not an endpoint.  

Brown emphasized the importance of “continuous curriculum enhancement informed by student feedback, community needs and the evolving demands of the social work profession.” 

Curry added, “Looking ahead to the next review in 2033, a key priority is building on what we do well while remaining responsive to student feedback and the evolving needs of the profession.  

“Overall, our goals focus on continuous improvement, maintaining strong accreditation standards and supporting student success.” 

Learn more about social work programs

Faculty spotlight: Heather Eckhart

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Our featured McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) faculty member is Heather Eckhart. She is a clinical assistant professor and Master of Social Work (MSW) practicum coordinator in the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences. 

Drawing on her clinical expertise, teaching experience and community outreach, she is preparing students to become ethical, compassionate and effective social workers.  

Let’s get to know Eckhart better. 

Where are you originally from? 

I’m from Joplin, Missouri, where I met my high school sweetheart and now my husband of 20 years. 

What brought you to Missouri State University?

Heather Eckhart
Heather Eckhart with her bunny

I joined Missouri State in July 2024. The strong reputation of the MSW program, along with my passion for mentoring students and preparing them to become clinicians, policy changers and macro-level advocates, made MSU the ideal fit. 

Where did you work prior to joining Missouri State? 

Before MSU, I served as clinical professor and field education coordinator at Missouri Southern State University. I also taught at Crowder College, ran private practice and worked in community-based mental health. My career includes long-standing partnerships with schools, universities, nonprofits, law enforcement and mental health organizations.   

Can you share your academic journey? 

I earned my Bachelor and Master of Social Work from the University of Arkansas in 2004 and 2005, respectively. I became a licensed clinical social worker in 2006 and later a certified clinical yoga practitioner in 2020. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in social work and higher education? 

My early MSW practicum with the homeless and children impacted by trauma inspired my passion for serving marginalized populations and advocating for social justice and equity. Pursuing a career in higher education allows me to equip future social workers to create meaningful change. 

Are there current trends in social work you find important or exciting? 

Current trends that I find especially important include social justice, childhood trauma, women’s wellness and community mental health. I’m also active in policy advocacy, which led me to take part in Advocacy Day at the Missouri Capitol on March 4 this year. In addition, I stay involved with organizations, such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the National Association of Social Workers in Missouri. 

What do you enjoy most about your role? 

I enjoy connecting students with practicum opportunities that reflect their passions and mentoring them as they grow into professionals. 

What’s your teaching philosophy and how do you engage students in preparing for their practicum experiences?  

My teaching is grounded in real-world applications. I draw on my private practice experience and incorporate person-in-environment theory, mindfulness and therapeutic techniques in my teaching.  

I’m very clinically minded and incorporate the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition (DSM-V) to help prepare students for ethical and effective practice. I remind them learning isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about staying true to themselves and their passion to create meaningful change.

Heather Eckhart treasures family adventures like road trip.
Heather Eckhart treasures family adventures like a road trip.

My favorite quote that deeply connects with my philosophy is by Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

What do you like to do outside of work? 

I enjoy painting, pottery making, skiing and sharing coffee with friends. I value family time with my husband and our three active children. Whether it’s cheering at basketball games, shuttling kids to and from track practice, gymnastics, RVing and traveling across the country, I find joy in being with my family. 

What might surprise people about you? 

This year marks my 20th year in the field. I’ve traveled to all 50 states, played rugby in college and raised free-range bunnies. What surprises people most is I provided crisis therapy to first responders after the 2011 Joplin tornado, an experience that deepened my lifelong commitment to trauma recovery and advocacy. 

Explore social work at MSU

Learning how to be advocates

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Two clinical instructors for the School of Social Work, Salina Bollinger and Kelly Dudley, accompanied 38 students to attend Social Work Advocacy Day in Jefferson City on March 1.   

Advocacy Day has not been celebrated since before the pandemic, which made this event extra special.  

Earning the MSSIP grant 

It wasn’t an easy feat getting everyone to the event.  

Bollinger, Dudley and Wendy Jackson, fellow clinical instructor for the School of Social Work, worked hard to apply for the MCHHS Student Success Innovation Projects (MSSIP) grant to receive well-earned funding. 

Funding was used to reimburse traveling expenses and provide a free meal for students. 

A truly immersive experience 

Bollinger and Dudley hoped students would learn much more in a hands-on environment. 

The day began bright and early. The pair, along with a few students, attended the education committee meeting of the House of Representatives at 8 a.m. 

Students then had the opportunity to go on tours and speak to elected legislators. 

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) hosted lunch. Several elected officials were brought in who also studied social work.  

“It was helpful for students to connect with people who studied the exact same thing,” Dudley said. 

Among the officials was Crystal Quade, #BearGrad from Missouri State’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program and representative for Greene County in the Missouri House of Representatives. 

The day wrapped up as students and faculty listened to the Senate and the House of Representatives sessions. 

“Apparently, students didn’t realize how much their voices matter,” Bollinger said. “Going to Advocacy Day showed students that giving their feedback to legislators does matter.” 

Jolie Keeney, a junior in the BSW program, is a testament to this powerful event. 

“Not only did I learn how to set up a meeting with a representative, but I also had the joy of exploring the Capitol with my fellow social work peers,” Keeney said.  

“Anyone can watch committee hearings on television, but experiencing it in real-time is so much better! I know that I can make a difference. This experience renewed my desire to become a social worker in the realm of policy reform.” 

An impressive turnout 

Of the 38 students, there were 32 undergraduate students and six graduate students. 

“We had no idea how many students would show up because the event hadn’t happened in several years,” Dudley said. “It was thrilling to see how many students decided to come.” 

Bollinger and Dudley will be back next year to accompany students to Advocacy Day. 

“We might recruit a few extra faculty members to help and hopefully we’ll be able to get the MSSIP grant again too,” Bollinger said. “Regardless, the opportunity will be there for students.” 

Explore the School of Social Work

Ready for big opportunities

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When Mary Finzel of West Plains earned her undergraduate degree in psychology, she never considered social work.

In her mind, social work majors were case workers.

But when she decided to pursue a master’s degree, Finzel realized that a master’s in social work could open so many doors.

“I could do so many things. I could be a clinical manager, a program director. I can work in any kind of advocacy for people, social justice advocacy. I could go into industrial facilities, factories and help with human resources,” she said.

Finding support in an online program

As an untraditional student returning to school, Finzel was attracted to the fact Missouri State offers a Master of Social Work that can be earned 100% online.

She had trepidations because she’d never completed a degree online, but felt she had the discipline to do it.

“Then I realized I really liked it because it was very convenient for work and personal life. I didn’t have a set schedule that I had to go by, other than when my assignments were due,” she said.

“I don’t like being restrained to one position, I want to be able to do multiple positions and wear multiple hats, and so that’s what really pulled me to the degree in social work.”

The mother of two chose Missouri State because of its accreditation, history and stellar reputation.

The professors were supportive and provided a lot of feedback.

“Professors were always available for communication through email, Zoom, phone calls, just whatever I needed. I had some personal family issues going on in the beginning … and I communicated that to my professors and they were more than willing to give me some grace. Since it’s all online, that feedback from the professors is really important because it lets you know what you’re doing well in, what you need to improve on,” she said.

Another strength of the program was the diverse lineup of classes — there’s a broad spectrum of information.

Driven to help others

The 44-year-old graduated in May 2022 with her Master of Social Work.

A Mountain View native, for the past few years she has worked as an Integrated Co-Occurring Disorder specialist. She works in a substance abuse treatment center for adolescents.

Upon graduation, her title changed to diagnostician. She received a promotion and pay raise. The degree had already paid off.

Finzel has always wanted to work in some capacity helping others.

“I had a lot of trauma in my childhood and mental health runs in my family,” she said. “I have two sons with special needs. … I decided I wanted to be available to help people in the way that I needed help whenever I was younger. Because I’m from a small town, there just wasn’t those services available in my area, and so I wanted to be able to have that positive impact on others the way I didn’t have those resources when I was younger.”

Explore social work at Missouri State