Golden Appointed as Student Representative to SFASU’s Graduate Council

September 23, 2020 - In August 2020, Kasey R. Golden was nominated, then selected to serve as the 2020-2021 student representative to the Stephen F. Austin State University’s Graduate Council. The council is the primary advisory body for graduate education at the university and makes recommendations on all aspects of graduate education throughout the university. This council is composed of ten elected and appointed graduate faculty members and one graduate student as an active member representing the graduate student body. In addition to serving on the committee with graduate faculty and staff, Golden, as the student representative, is the chair of the Student Affairs Committee. The committee is tasked with increasing student involvement and soliciting and reviewing nominations for both the Outstanding Thesis and Outstanding Graduate Student Awards. In acceptance of this position Golden said, “What an honor! Thank you so much for this opportunity. I look forward to working with graduate faculty and staff to enhance graduate education across the university.”

In May of 2020, Golden’s hard work and determination earned her the Ima Hogg Scholarship. The Hogg Foundation awards the Ima Hogg Scholarships to graduate social work students who have committed to joining the mental health workforce after graduation. One student is selected from each social work master’s program across the state of Texas.  Each are chosen for their potential to bring renewed energy to the Texas mental health workforce. “After exploring other helping professions, I know I have found a home in social work. I appreciate this opportunity and look forward to all I will accomplish in mental health care in rural East Texas.” Golden stated. 

“The SFA School of Social Work's Graduate program prepares leaders for the social work profession,” says professor and director of the MSW Program, Dr. Emmerentie Oliphant. “Ms. Kasey Golden is an example of an excellent leader who is passionate about social work. She is dedicated to make a difference in the lives of people and communities. I know she will become a leader in the social work profession."

Golden was a 2009 graduate of Center High School, 2011 graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, and a 2015 graduate of Florida Coastal School of Law. Golden currently serves as a graduate assistant at SFASU’s school of social work. She will continue her social work education this fall and plans to graduate in May 2021 with her Master’s in Social Work. Upon graduation, Golden hopes become a Licensed Master Social Worker and to provide mental health services to the East Texas area. She also intends to continue to advocate for fair immigration policy and better access to mental health service for the people of East Texas.