50 Years of Social Work Education

Celebrating Our Roots, Growing Towards Tomorrow

Belmont University's School of Social Work, housed within the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, is marking a significant milestone this year: 50 years of educating and empowering social work professionals.  

As the program celebrates its golden anniversary, it's not just looking back on its rich history but also forging ahead with ambitious plans for the future. 

Achieving Accreditation  

Belmont's social work program began in 1974, starting as part of the Behavioral Science Department. Dr. Debbie Simpler, who joined the faculty in 1979 and served for 37 years, was instrumental in shaping the program's trajectory and securing its future.  

Her efforts over nearly two decades led to the program's crucial accreditation in 1998, while her roles as faculty member, department chair and field director allowed her to influence curriculum development, strengthen community partnerships and mentor countless students who went on to become leaders in the field. 

Evolving with the Field 

Over the years, Belmont's social work program has adapted to meet changing societal needs and advances in the field.  

"The field of social work, by necessity, is ever evolving because of the needs of our community,” said Program Chair Dr. Jennifer Crowell Thompson. “Social problems are complex and dynamic, and the needs of society and the communities that we serve shift constantly." 

These changes are reflected in the current curriculum, which emphasizes professionalism, social work values and ethics and skills in advancing justice. The program has also integrated anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, preparing students to meet the complex needs of diverse communities. 

Community Impact and Partnerships 

The program's influence extends far beyond the campus. "We regularly engage community partners not only in the context of our internship program, but also our advisory board, where we work closely with area practitioners to be certain that we're keeping our finger on the pulse of what the community needs,” said Crowell Thompson. 

This commitment to community engagement has fostered strong relationships with local organizations and agencies. Partners consistently praise the preparedness and dedication of Belmont's social work students, noting their ability to quickly adapt to real-world challenges. The program's focus on addressing the needs of underserved populations resonates strongly with community partners, who see Belmont graduates as valuable assets in tackling complex social issues. 

"The Belmont Social Work Program, along with our office, focuses on those people who are on the fringe, the underserved populations,” said Courtney Muller, director of outreach at Metro's Office of Family Safety.  

Students at the Heart of the Program 

The program places a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for the challenges they'll face in their careers. Many students are already working in the field while completing their studies, allowing them to immediately apply classroom learning to real-world situations. This integration of theory and practice is a cornerstone of the program, enabling students to develop a deep understanding of social work principles and their practical applications. 

The program attracts individuals who are deeply committed to making a difference in their communities. Many students come to social work driven by personal experiences or a strong desire to address societal issues. This passion, combined with the rigorous academic preparation and practical experience offered by Belmont, equips graduates to tackle complex social problems effectively. 

"I think one of the most impactful things about being able to go to school here and work at the same time is that I can take skills that I've learned in the classroom immediately to my office and with the clients that I work with,” said Mark Palermo, a current student working as a clinical case manager. “It’s had a huge impact on the work I do.”   

Celebrating 50 Years of Impact and Excellence 

On Oct. 18, Belmont celebrated the School’s golden anniversary with a gathering of alumni, faculty and community partners at the Jack C. Massey Center, commemorating five decades of social work excellence, education and service. During the celebration, the School announced its plans to launch a Master of Social Work program in fall 2025, marking a new chapter in the program's history of preparing leaders in the field.  

As the School of Social Work looks ahead to the next 50 years, it remains committed to its mission of transforming lives and communities.   

"Introducing this profession to students is the best thing I've ever done,” said Crowell Thompson. “Our students are exceptional. They are exceptional in their skill, in their compassion and in their ability to make change. As they step into the future of social work, I'm confident they will not only meet the challenges ahead but redefine what's possible in serving our communities."