From the Gridiron to Service: Jerrell Boykins Jr., 2025 BSW Intern of the Year

BSW Intern of the Year Jerrell Boykins Jr. never expected that a conversation during his football recruitment would change the trajectory of his life. The Louisiana native came to Baylor as a student-athlete in January 2023, but it was a personal meeting with Dean Jon Singletary during his official football visit that became the catalyst for discovering his true calling.

"It was the first time a dean took the time to sit and meet with me," Boykins said. "He was very welcoming and honest about the social work program." 

That rare and meaningful moment made Baylor University feel like home and planted the seeds for what would become his passion for social work.

As the oldest of eight children, Boykins was always the person others turned to when they needed someone to lend an ear. When a medical retirement from football in 2024 redirected his path, he found himself naturally drawn to social work—a field that allows him to listen and help, and to fully live out his calling to support and advocate for others.

"I chose social work because I felt it is a career that I could wake up in the morning and enjoy what I do," he explained. "Throughout my life, I've always been the person people confided in. This allowed me to realize that a helping profession such as social work is what I am meant to do."

Those who feel called to the social work profession usually have populations they hope to work with and make a difference for as they move through their educational journey. Boykins is passionate about working with incarcerated individuals, endangered youth and athletes balancing life and sports. 

"I feel that criminal justice reform is an area constantly overlooked and deserves some attention," he said. "Being a former athlete, I can personally attest to the struggles of balancing life and sports, it's something that takes just as much as it gives."

"I chose social work because I felt it is a career that I could wake up in the morning and enjoy what I do," Jerrell said. "Throughout my life, I've always been the person people confided in. This allowed me to realize that a helping profession such as social work is what I am meant to do."

This past year, Boykins interned for Baylor Scott & White Hospital, where he worked closely with older adult patients and their families. Through discharge planning, emotional support and resource coordination, he learned the complexities of elder care and the importance of dignity and advocacy for aging populations. The experience was transformative for Boykins, and that was apparent in the ways he showed up in this space, providing patient-centered care and professional collegiality and support.

His internship supervisor had this to say about his impact: "I have not met a BSW student with Jerrell's level of empathy, compassion and respect for clients' rights. He was often faced with patients and their families who had received a devastating diagnosis, most commonly dementia. He compassionately assisted by providing knowledge, resources and the 'human' factor. The team at our clinic quickly came to rely on and turn to Jerrell for assistance. You would often find doctors, nurses and front desk staff asking if Jerrell is available to assist. Jerrell truly shines a bright light to everyone around him and is a strong and competent force for those who need an advocate."

For Boykins, receiving the BSW Intern of the Year award represents something much larger than individual achievement. 

"This award is a representation of all the sacrifices that were and are being made. Sacrifices made not just by me but also by my family and those who support me," he noted. "This award shows that I'm doing what I set out to do, and that was to make a difference in the world."

Boykins graduated with his BSW in May and will return to the Garland School in the fall to begin the MSW program, specializing in clinical social work. As he begins the next chapter, what advice does he have future social work students? 

"Enjoy the journey, because time waits for no one, and before you know it, you'll be graduating. These times will be the ones you look back at your entire life," Boykins said.

Congratulations, Jerrell! You embody the values we hold so dear and that define exceptional social workers. Your compassion, dedication and an unwavering commitment to advocacy and impact will have ripple affects as you continue to serve those around you. Sic 'em!