Morgan Ridgell is a MSSW Clinical Practice concentration student who is in her last year and will be graduating in the spring semester of 2023. She is from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and attends the program online. She is a member of the Coalition of Black Social Workers (CBSW).

What made you choose UT College of Social Work?

I chose the UT College of Social Work because I’ve been employed at the university since 2015 and I knew I eventually wanted to go back to school to become a licensed therapist. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to stay in Knoxville or move back closer to home for school. Dr. Mindrup came to one of our staff meetings a few years ago and he planted the seed about UT’s College of Social Work and the many things you can do with a Social Work degree. I did my research and felt the college and program aligned with my goals and values. I applied to the program a couple years later.

What has been your favorite part of your college experience so far?

I’ve enjoyed building a community with my cohort and having many instructors of color teach my classes. Despite it being an online program, I’ve felt so connected to the college and to the program. It’s a great feeling seeing familiar faces in my classes each semester. In addition, as a woman of color, it’s rewarding to see myself reflected in this space.

What are you interested in doing once you graduate?

I’m finishing up the Forensic Social Work Certificate Program and hope to do more work in alignment with Forensic Social Work. I’m interested in the mental health needs of justice-involved individuals, particularly persons of color.

If you are currently doing field work, where are you working and how has that experience been?

I’m completing my field experience at the Knox County Public Defender’s Community Law Office. I began in Summer 2022 and my experience has been amazing! It was a huge learning curve for me because I’ve never been exposed to this kind of work before but my field instructor and other social workers in the office have been incredibly supportive. I love that I get to work with clients in custody and in the community while learning more about the criminal justice system and the resources my clients need.