First Social Work Cohort Graduates from A&M-Commerce at Frisco

Texas A&M University-Commerce students Jodie Schmitt, Samantha Newton and Caylin Menard donned their caps and gowns for the Dec. 18 commencement ceremony in Commerce, becoming the first cohort of undergraduate social work students to graduate from A&M-Commerce at Frisco.

“This cohort is a tight-knit group of women who will make great social workers,” said Randi Wright, clinical instructor and director of the undergraduate social work program at A&M-Commerce.

Wright reported that the Frisco location's social work program is growing, thanks to the efforts of director Araceli Hill, who has worked tirelessly to foster partnerships with Collin College and surrounding communities.

All three students in the cohort transferred from Collin College, transitioning their associate degree studies to bachelor's degrees through A&M-Commerce.

Schmitt took part in the Title IV-E program, which allows social work students to train, complete a stipend-paid internship and secure a job with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services after graduation.

Newton will begin the master's social work program at A&M-Commerce this spring. Menard plans to take a semester off to seek job opportunities in social work before applying for the master's social work program at A&M-Commerce in the fall.

“We are incredibly excited to continue growing this program at the Frisco location,” Wright said. “Our junior cohort will be twice the size of our first cohort, and we hope to reach more students in spring when we open applications for the Fall 2022 cohort.”

A&M-Commerce at Frisco is one of six A&M-Commerce extended locations, which also include Corsicana, Dallas, McKinney, Mesquite and The RELLIS Campus in Bryan, Texas.

Learn more about the A&M-Commerce School of Social Work.