Recent ASU Social Work Graduate Writes Scholarly Article on Navigating Adolescence

 

By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU

 

Tiffany Howard, a recent Alabama State University graduate, has earned the honor of having an article published in a professional journal, which centers on one of the nation’s hottest topics — uplifting the lives of young people. 

 

Howard, who earned a master's degree in social work and mental health on May 3, from ASU's nationally accredited department of Social Work, in the institution's College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, is an author in a scholarly publication, titled “Navigating Adolescence: Addressing Mental Health Challenges through Social Work Practice and Policy.”  

 

ASU's Tiffany Howard, graduate school class of 2024, (photo contributed by Howard).

 

"The article is about what contributes to adolescent-aged depression, how they are diagnosed with it, and the fact that many kids first begin with the symptoms of a depressive state while still living at home in their teen years," Howard said by phone. "My interest really peaked about this topic as I worked with the local non-profit That's My Child. I now am employed as the lead case manager at One Place Family Justice Center where we represent children who are suspected of having been the victims of violence and or sexually inappropriate behavior. It is a privilege working here."

 

Dr. Tabitha Brookins, a professor in ASU’s Social Work Department and Howard's advisor who worked with her during the writing of the article, shared that it was published in the Journal of Social Work and Welfare Policy. 

 

"Articles like this one are important because it embraces the social work profession, and it helps continue the learning process for our students, uplifts our professional development and improves our knowledge and skills," Brookins stated.

 

HOWARD'S BACKGROUND

Howard, a native of Valley Grande and Selma, Alabama, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and was an honor student, who graduated from Alabama State University with a nearly perfect grade point average of 3.9. 

 

She shared that she excelled academically at ASU because she always strives for quality and gives that goal priority in her life.

 

“I am extremely hard on myself, and I always wanted my grades, events, and projects to be perfect until a professor reminded me that everything in life is not perfect, and to focus instead on the quality of things rather than on perfection,” Howard stated.

 

She credits her upbringing with contributing to her doing so well in school and in life.

 

“My mother, Rhonda Howard, taught me the joy of working with underprivileged children…as well as taught me the importance of never giving up at home or work. I would not have been successful without the support of my mom, the other members of my family and the great professors that I have had at ASU.” 

 

News media contact: Kenneth Mullinax, 334-229-4104.

 

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