JACKSON, Tenn. — March 14, 2008 — 51社区 has named Janet E. Furness as the director of its new Master of Social Work program, which will begin in the fall of 2008 and is now accepting applications.
Furness is currently the MSW program director at Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, N.Y.
鈥淲e are not just excited, but thrilled to have on board at Union the quality of leadership we have found in Professor Furness as we begin our new MSW degree,鈥� said Thomas Rosebrough, dean of the College of Education and Human Studies. 鈥淲hen we begin classes next fall, we will be the only private institution in the state with an accredited MSW.鈥�
Furness holds degrees from Philadelphia Biblical University and Rutgers University. She is completing a doctorate at the University of Rochester. She has experience in the social work profession as a social worker, agency director, advocate for mental health and child welfare concerns, and as a professor and administrator in accredited undergraduate and graduate social work education programs.
She is also a published author in social work practice and social work ministry.
鈥淛anet Furness brings a lifetime of excellent service to the disadvantaged through social work education,鈥� said Mary Anne Poe, chair of Union鈥檚 social work department. 鈥淗er values and expertise are a terrific fit for our social work faculty and students.鈥�
The social work department has scheduled two information sessions 鈥� April 7 and April 22 -- for those interested in the new MSW program. Each session will begin at 5 p.m. in Coburn Dining Room, and refreshments will be served.
For information on applying for the MSW program for the fall, or to register for an information session, contact Union鈥檚 social work department at (731) 661-5553 or e-mail rhudson@uu.edu.