Meet the Garland School's 2025 Social Work Supervisor of the Year: DeAngela Bynum, LMSW

The Garland School of Social Work recognizes DeAngela Bynum, LMSW, as the 2025 Social Work Supervisor of the Year! Learn more about DeAngela, her work and her educator spirit.

Agency: Waco Police Department
Title: Social Resource Program Supervisor

1. Why is it important for you to work with social work interns?
The nature of my work at the police department affords me the ability to pass on a great deal of  knowledge to the next social work generation. It is important for me to contribute to growth of our profession so that as the social landscape changes, our young workers can embody the social work core values ethically. The integration of social work with law enforcement is a vital component to future goals being achieved. By utilizing social work interns within this scope of work, I hope to instill in them a desire to ask the hard questions, seek knowledge in evidenced based sources, and to bridge the gaps between these two service fields that have grown in the last few years. 

2. How long have you had GSSW interns?
We have had GSSW interns for approximately three years now. 

3. Tell us a little about yourself and your job, including how long have you been in your position.
I have been working with the Waco Police Department since fall of 2021. I was brought on to provide collaboration between law enforcement and the community members who struggle with behavioral health concerns. My everyday work includes micro, mezzo and macro social work as I coordinate care across the system as best I can. When encountering a gap in service provision, I utilize macro practice techniques to create more effective access to care for the individual and those who would utilize this system in the future. I also contribute to the edification of the employees within the department by providing trainings on mental or behavioral health concerns, collecting data for program development, and collaborating with different organizations to open communication opportunities that would best serve the community. 

4. Tell us a little about your agency.
Waco Police Department’s mission statement is, “To provide police services to the Waco community with integrity, professionalism, accountability, and respect. To preserve life and property, enforce the law within the framework of the Constitution. To work in partnership with the community. To be good stewards of the public's trust and resources.” 

The department has grown in relational policing in the last few years and continues to strive toward building solid foundations in the community. This is being done in a number of ways, one of which is supporting the work of the Social Resource Program. The utilization of the social work profession has been an integral part of the changes in the department over the last few years. 

5. What does it mean to you to receive this award?

I am truly honored that my work and desire to educate the next generation of social worker has been recognized. Especially as this type of work is budding into the nation and is gaining momentum in recognition as intrinsic to the development of the field. 

Personally, this award edifies me in my pursuit to bridge the gaps between these two disciplines. Both law enforcement and social work have special places in my story and heart. To see the efforts to collaborate and build something new in this community recognized gives me hope for change across the nation!

6. What others say about DeAngela.

“DeAngela models a strong work ethic and demonstrates fidelity to the internship experience through consistency and care for students and their learning, providing robust experiences that challenge them across all levels of practice. Interns at Waco PD encounter a myriad of needs and challenges in client systems throughout the greater Waco area and can contribute to the wellbeing of the local community in meaningful ways." —GSSW Practicum Liaison

“With detail-oriented training, collaborative approaches, and the ability to instill trust and confidence in her interns, she has allowed me to flourish in my placement.” —GSSW Intern

Congratulations, DeAngela! Thank you for the work you do with the Garland School of Social Work interns, and the heart and soul you pour into them and to this community. Sic 'em!