Diana R. Garland School of Social Work

Nearly 6,000 graduate students pursue their Masters or Doctoral degrees at Baylor—nearly one-third of the student body. Many of these students study on campus, while others pursue online degrees as they work in their home communities. As Baylor celebrates Graduate Student Appreciation Week, meet our social work student whose scholarship, work and experiences advance Baylor’s mission and contribute meaningfully to our role as a Christian research university—impacting the world beyond campus borders.

VIDEO - Members of the Robinson Independent School District community are starting a new effort to ensure students in need can get a helping hand right in the district, with support from their peers. The district will hold a donation drive March 24 through April 4 to replenish care closets in each school and set up a districtwide closet stocked with necessities. The care closets will grow from just providing school supplies to provide jackets, hygiene items, shirts, shoes and coordination with local social support organizations for families in need.

For Master of Social Work students, internships are not only a degree requirement but also a pivotal point in their professional growth. This invaluable experience bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Every year, Community Healthcare of Texas (CHOT) interns become important members of our interdisciplinary teams caring for patients and families diagnosed with a serious or life-limiting illness.

In honor of Social Work Month, we recently had the privilege of hearing from Aleia Durston as she reflected on her journey with Community Healthcare of Texas and her aspirations for the future. Aleia earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN, in May 2024, and she is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University, with graduation anticipated in May 2025.

Social work interns at Community Healthcare of Texas and Providence Hospice are vital members of our interdisciplinary team, helping to support the diverse needs of hospice and palliative care patients, caregivers, and families. Throughout their internship, they gain invaluable hands-on experience, applying their academic knowledge in real-world settings while preparing for their future careers in social work.

In honor of Social Work Month, we had the opportunity to connect with Bree Williams, a soon-to-be graduate of the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University. As she prepares to take the next step in her journey, Bree reflected on her time with us, sharing her experiences and hopes for the future.