October 18, 2023
Shawnee State University was recently one of 43 recipients of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s INSPIRE (Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems) award. SSU will receive $500,000 to address workforce shortages in the areas of behavioral health and addiction treatment services.
“As part of this project, we will be developing a long-needed and long-sought Bachelor of Social Work program at the university in the College of Professional Studies,” SSU Provost Sunil Ahuja said. The plan is to begin enrolling students in Fall 2024 following program approval.
SSU is also collaborating with five regional partners to create a pipeline of licensed behavioral and mental health workers in our region and improve access to services. This is in line with the university’s strategic programmatic focus on healthcare-related programs as one key pillar.
“I want to thank Southern Ohio Medical Center, Valley View Health Center Community Action Organization of Pike County, Hopesource, King’s Daughters Medical Center, and Shawnee Family Health Center for assisting and advising us as we develop programs that serve the needs of our community,” said Provost Ahuja. “I would also like to thank Dr. Kimberly Inman, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, for her instrumental work in securing this funding.”
Dr. Christine Raber, Interim Dean of the College of Professional Studies, will be leading the development of the Bachelor of Social Work.
“I look forward to supporting Dr. Raber and her team as this program progresses,” said Provost Ahuja. “We are eager to see the future graduates of this program put their degrees to work in this area.”