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NPC Alumna Named Social Work Student Of The Year

Headshot of Kristen Dobbs-Calvin

Headshot of Kristen Dobbs-Calvin.黑料福利社 (NPC) alumna Kristen Dobbs-Calvin was named Master鈥檚 Level Social Work Student of the Year by the Arkansas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) School of Social Work.

Dobbs-Calvin received her Associate of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences from NPC in 2019. She completed her bachelor鈥檚 degree at UALR in 2021 and will complete her master鈥檚 degree in advanced direct practice clinical social work in 2022.

鈥淣PC鈥檚 2+2 social work program allowed me a seamless transfer directly into UALR鈥檚 bachelor of social work program as a sophomore while allowing me to remain close to home for my first two years as a social work major,鈥 stated Dobbs-Calvin. 鈥淭he social work classes I took at NPC definitely prepared me for my undergraduate journey at UALR. Susan Millerd was beyond helpful in assisting me with the application process and ensured that I was 100% prepared upon completion of my ASLAS at NPC.鈥

UALR offers an advanced standing accelerated program to graduate level students in the social work field to earn a master鈥檚 degree in 12 months. It is an intensive program and requires a minimum of a 3.5 GPA. Advanced direct practice students are trained to become mental health providers who provide therapeutic services and diagnose mental health.

Dobbs-Calvin interns at NPC under the supervision of Susan Millerd and provides therapeutic interventions. She also developed and facilitates a grief and loss support group on the NPC campus that is open to both staff and students.

Intervention specialist and counselor Susan Millerd said, 鈥淭hroughout my relationship and work with Kristen, she has exemplified the best of being a social worker. She demonstrates the ethics and values of our profession and demonstrates the ability to respect others without judgment. She is organized and on top of her work and seeks opportunities for growth and experience at all times.鈥

鈥満诹细@ feels like home to me. It鈥檚 in my hometown and it鈥檚 where I completed my first degree. I am forever grateful for my NPC experience,鈥 noted Calvin-Dobbs.