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Spotlight on Alumni - Nathan Stephens


Nathan Stephens
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Nathan Stephens earned his MSW degree in 2005. Nathan is the director/senior coordinator for the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center at the University of Missouri.

Q. What made you decide to pursue a career as a professional social worker?

A. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of youth that grew up like I did: impoverished, disenfranchised and disadvantaged. I also wanted to be a person that inspires, encourages and guides those that are willing to listen.



Q. What advice would you give someone who was considering a career in social work?

A. Social work is an incredibly rewarding career that some people are born to do. Regardless of people's good intentions, I fundamentally believe that social workers are born, not made.

Q. How did you decide upon the MU School of Social Work?

A. I decided upon the MU School of Social Work after attending a presentation at Columbia College by the school's student services coordinator, Tammy Freelin.

Q. What aspect of your educational experience at the MU School of Social Work has been the most valuable in your current job?

The courses in the policy, planning and administration concentration that taught me about program development, budgeting and evaluation prepared me most for my current position.

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us, Nathan.

If you would like to get in touch with Nathan, email him at stephensna@missouri.edu.


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