Dragon Stories

The Ozhiitaa School Social Work Scholars Program prepares future school social workers with specialized training, mentorship, and financial support, ensuring they’re ready to make a difference in Minnesota schools.

Eman Yassin, alum, current student, and advocate social worker was honored with the Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community Award.

Social work student, Myrla Villa received the Sanford Health Equity in Education Scholarship for $5,000. As a home dialysis unit secretary for Sanford, Myrla’s heart for others shines in her interactions with patients and staff.

MSUM’s equity gap led Associate Professor of Educational Leadership Dr. Caitlin Johnson to request and receive funding to conduct a wellness survey of Native American students on campus. Thanks to a team of Native American student researchers organized by Dr. Johnson, the survey was conducted in the fall semester of 2023.

Tara Carlson is a single parent and MSUM alum. She shares how she was able to balance parenting while being a college student.

Angela Bellanger, director of MSUM’s Counseling Services, connects her native teachings from her youth to prosper in her work on campus. 

Rebecca McCradie shares her journey to recovery through volunteer and service work within the White Earth Veterans Honor Guard.

MSUM welcomes its first Master of Social Work cohort, with students working to advance in their licensure, increase their earning potential, expand their skillsets, and even teach the next generation of social workers.

For Chloe Flynn, making valuable connections in MSUM’s SMART Start program helped ease the transition from high school to college.

Ashley and Christopher Johnson, Ph.D., MSW, established the Gayel Marie Saude Scholarship Fund in 2022. The scholarship provides up to $2,500 annually to support social work students.

Robert Nava, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate Studies at MSUM, writes about new master's programs that MSUM is adding in 2023.

Minnesota State University Moorhead alum Chris Johnson proudly serves area women as leader of The Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead.