The School of Social Work celebrated its 10th annual Field Education Awards on April 10, recognizing the dedication and impact made by students and community partners. Honorees were nominated by their peers and field supervisors, highlighting those students who made meaningful contributions through their field placements and the partner agencies helping prepare them for careers in social work.
This year’s theme, “Empathy into Action,” underscored the importance of transforming compassion into real-world impact, something students and community partners demonstrate daily through service, advocacy and positive change in the communities they serve.
“The Field Education Awards banquet reflects the very heart of the School of Social Work,” says Orlando Roman, instructor and director of field education. “It represents what is possible when strong community partnerships and student dedication come together to create meaningful impact. By celebrating our students, agency partners and field supervisors, we honor the collective effort it takes to prepare the next generation of social workers to lead with purpose, advocate for change and strengthen the communities we serve.”
Field education is a requirement for students to attain a degree in social work. Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students must complete 420 hours, Master of Social Work (MSW) generalist students must complete 400 hours, and Master of Social Work (MSW) clinical students must complete 1,000 hours. The School of Social Work partners with agencies in both the U.S. and overseas for students to complete their required hours. The sites are comprised of non-profit, government, healthcare and educational facilities. On average, 80% of students receive job offers from their practicum sites.
Field education remains a required and central component of the social work program. Referred to as the profession’s signature pedagogy, it allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Through direct engagement with individuals, families and communities, students build the skills, professional identity and ethical foundation needed for practice.
Congratulations to the 2026 awardees:
- BSW Student of the Year: Cristina Pizarro (UCF Center for Public and Non-profit Management)
- MSW Student of the Year: Shanelle Harvey (Advent Health Outlook Clinic)
- Excellence in Leadership: Jasmine Thompson (Orlando VA Healthcare System)
- Empathy into Advocacy: Michael Curtis (Park Place Behavioral Health)
- BSW Agency Supervisor of the Year: Lily Hall (Office of Criminal Contact & Civil Regional Counsel)
- MSW Agency Supervisor of the Year: Kelsie Fitzgerald-Hoyt (Orange County Public Schools-Lakeview Middle School)
- Agency of the Year: Orlando VA Healthcare System
