Jenna McCoy’s journey to graduation has been a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of believing in oneself despite life’s setbacks.
From my shoes to yours: BSW, Jenna McCoy’s journey towards social work

Jenna McCoy’s journey to graduation has been a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of believing in oneself despite life’s setbacks.
Isabelle Rogers, a BSW student graduating May 2024, shared with us her unique journey of overcoming unexpected challenges and the support systems that allowed that to happen.
As Megan Martell graduates from the School of Social Work at Illinois State this May, her story serves as a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of self-discovery. Born and raised in Illinois, Martell’s upbringing was shaped by the challenges of single parenthood. Her parents divorced when she was 2 years old, leaving her mother to navigate the complexities of raising a child while pursuing her career aspirations, which was nothing short of difficult for the family.
Amid graduate narratives of triumph and perseverance, one individual’s journey shines brightly amid the challenges faced along the way. Meet Kelsey Barrett, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) graduate whose path to success embodies resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
As the spring of 2024 marks the culmination of academic endeavors for many students, Jo Bollant shares with us their journey as a BSW student, and now graduate. Bollant’s path to graduation was far from conventional, marked by detours and challenges that ultimately shaped their worldview.
Abbi Stradder, Bailey Birditt, and Diamond Crowder share with us their journey towards higher education and all that it took for them to earn their Masters in Social Work.
Distinguished Professor Ali Riaz has published a commentary on Bangladesh’s request for a soft loan from China and its economic and political implications in the magazine Diplomat.
With the conclusion of the Spring 2024 semester, CASNews will resume its summer schedule of being published every two weeks.
Among those contemplating how quickly the years passed from arriving on campus for their first semester to leaving as a proud alumni are two students, Cameron Crone and Kerem Tasdan, whose stories were captured when they began their journey as Redbirds.
The Department of Politics and Government held its 2024 Annual Award Ceremony April 19 in the Old Main Room of the Bone Student Center.