Members of the recent Associated Master of Social Work graduating class in the
UW Division of Social Work, from left, are Jaycee Myrtle, Torrington; Dakota Metzger,
Lander; Morgan Pfister, Buffalo; Arya Denham, Ocean Springs, Miss.; Dylan Croft, Powell;
Claire Boughton, Cheyenne; Em Griffiths, Fredericksburg, Va.; and Anita Curtis, Baker
City, Ore. (UW Photo)
The University of Wyoming Division of Social Work recently recognized students from
the division and field instructors who have gone above and beyond in their classroom
activities and involvement in student groups and organizations.
Students from both the main UW and UW-Casper campuses were honored for their outstanding
achievements in research, community service and student leadership -- demonstrating
their exemplary growth and readiness to enter the social work profession.
“Celebrating these students means also celebrating their families who stood beside
them through challenges, achievements and everything in between,” says Valerie Thompson-Ebanks,
director and a professor in the Division of Social Work. “Their hard work and dedication
throughout the school year deserve to be recognized, and we are honored to walk alongside
them as they realize their goals and prepare to make a meaningful impact as future
social workers.”
Patrick Hardigan, dean of the College of Health Sciences, says the importance of family
connections for students and their contributions help make successful students.
“I am proud to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our social work students
and field instructors. Their commitment to academic excellence, community engagement
and professional growth exemplifies the mission of our college -- to prepare compassionate,
skilled professionals who serve and lead in their communities,” Hardigan says. “I
am especially moved by the stories of perseverance and support shared by students
and their families. These moments of recognition are a testament not only to individual
achievement, but to the strength of our learning community. Congratulations to all
honorees. You inspire us all.”
Students from three student-led organizations -- the Associated Students of Social
Work (ASSW), the Associated Master of Social Work Students (AMSW²) and the Phi Alpha
Social Work Honor Society -- were honored for their contributions to both campuses
and the broader Laramie and Casper communities.
Their efforts included organizing food and clothing drives; fundraising initiatives;
volunteering with local nonprofits; and hosting inclusive events that fostered connection
and engagement among students across the UW College of Health Sciences, UW-Casper
and Casper College.
Field instructors also were honored at this year’s pre-graduation event for their
outstanding mentorship, supervision and support during students’ field practicum placements.
UW’s Division of Social Work is an accredited program offering both bachelor’s and
master’s degrees. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of impactful careers, particularly
those aligned with the unique needs of Wyoming communities. These include child welfare
and family services, mental health and substance use counseling, school social work,
rural and community-based practice, and advocacy roles within health care, criminal
justice and disability services.
Graduating members of the inaugural 2025 MSW part-time program are front row,
from left, Lori Ordiway and Domnique Maestes, both from Casper. Middle row, Alisha
Gonzalez, Casper; Chelsie Klone, Casper; Megan Richardson, Riverton; Kim Dickinson,
Billings, Mont.; Miranda Nelson, Thermopolis; Dustin Smart, Casper; and Larissa Skinner,
Glenrock. Back row, Melissa Behringer, Casper; Cheri Mateo; Powell; and Savannah Schadegg,
Casper. (UW Photo)
Graduating students, listed by name and hometown, and field instructors recognized
before UW’s spring commencement were:
BSW Student of the Year Award
Laramie campus: Sage Kilgore, Scobey, Mont.; and Mary Ivanoff, Glenns Ferry, Idaho,
and Laramie.
UW-Casper: Bronwyn Harstad, Casper.
MSW Student of the Year Award
Laramie campus: Dakota Metzger, Lander.
UW-Casper: Chelsie Klone, Casper.
BSW Phoenix Award
Laramie campus: Julianna Pizzato, Rock Springs.
UW-Casper: Haley Lensert, Casper.
MSW Phoenix Award
Laramie campus: Isabella Guilbeau, Lafayette, La.
UW-Casper: Savannah Schadegg, Casper.
Exemplary Community Service Award
Laramie and Casper ASSW graduating officers are:
Laramie campus: Lexi Arp, Cheyenne, Ivanoff and Kilgore.
UW-Casper: Harstad, Noelle Romer and Monica Strecker, all from Casper.
MSW Student Research Award
Morgan Pfister, Buffalo.
Field Instructors of the Year Special Recognition Award
Shannon Gutwein, Jennifer Mumaugh, Tazia Peterson and Katie Sloan.
About the College of Health Sciences
UW’s College of Health Sciences trains health and wellness professionals and researchers
in a wide variety of disciplines, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, speech-language
pathology, social work, kinesiology, public health, health administration and disability
studies.
The college also oversees residency and fellowship programs in Casper and Cheyenne,
as well as operating a speech/hearing clinic on the main campus and primary care clinics
in Laramie, Casper and Cheyenne.
With more than 1,600 undergraduate, graduate and professional students, the college
is dedicated to training the health and wellness workforce of Wyoming and conducting
high-quality research and community engagement, with a particular focus on rural and
frontier populations.
