06/20/2019
HAYS, Kan. – Ten Fort Hays State University Bachelor of Social Work students were recently inducted into the Epsilon Omicron Chapter of the Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society as lifetime members. This is the highest honor that a student can receive in social work education.

“These students have attained academic excellence, and they are dedicated to the idea of the action and service to humanity,” said Kendal Carswell, field practicum director and an assistant professor of social work.

“The students have also demonstrated a commitment to the mission, ethics, standards and goals of the profession of social work,” he said.

Students who received the honor are listed alphabetically by hometown.

ASHLAND (67831): Maddi Guerra

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (80909): Lucille Partlow-Loyall

DODGE CITY (67801): Claire Albert; Theresa Ochs; and Bailey Schafer

GREAT BEND (67530): Kameko Schultz

KANSAS CITY (66112): Melanie Arellano-Luna

MINNEOLA (67865): Michele Stevens

SHARON SPRINGS (67758): Annabelle Seader

SPEARVILLE (67876): Shannon Indiek

Qualification includes social work as a declared major, achievement of senior status in the social work program and a minimum grade point average of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale in both social work courses and overall GPA.

“The purpose of Phi Alpha Honor Society is to provide a closer bond among students of social work and to promote humanitarian goals and ideals,” said Carswell. “Phi Alpha fosters high standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work.”

FHSU’s chapter is one of over 400 chapters across the United States.

Albert, Indiek, Ochs, Schafer and Stevens completed their course work through the FHSU Bachelor of Social Work cohort program on the Dodge City Community College campus. Cohort courses are taught by FHSU social work faculty, and the opportunity is made possible through a partnership with DCCC. FHSU’s Department of Social Work also has cohorts at Garden City Community College, Seward County Community College, and, beginning this fall, Colby Community College.