Marissa Wilson graduated from SBU in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in social work.
She now works as a foster care and adoption specialist with the Louisiana Baptist
Children’s Home. Marissa credits SBU for helping her become who she is today.
“I love SBU because the faculty and staff cared to know who I am and how to help me grow professionally and personally, even after graduation,” Marissa said.
SBU faculty provided Marissa with the strong foundation needed to go on to obtain her master’s degree in social work and begin serving others as a licensed social worker.
“Faculty ensured that I not only learned materials, but that I learned how to apply my knowledge in real-world situations,” Marissa recalled. “SBU offers more than just textbook knowledge. You learn how to apply what is taught in real-world situations, both professionally and in everyday interactions.”
Receiving her social work degree from SBU also gave Marissa the valuable advantage of learning how to incorporate her faith with her career.
“I learned how important spirituality is in life and how that impacts our perspective and worldview,” Marissa said. “As a social worker, I have found this to be extremely important when assessing clients. I’m grateful for the background and foundation I received at SBU.”
While Marissa said she has been a Christian for many years, she knows that her faith was strengthened because of the Christ-centered, academic community she found at SBU.
“I learned a lot about myself at college as I became more independent. I’m grateful that I learned theology and characteristics of God as I learned about myself,” Marissa said. “I’ve been a Christian since childhood, but SBU strengthened my foundation.”
While learning the academic knowledge and skills needed to be a successful social worker, Marissa also learned about the importance of community. This has impacted her greatly as she has moved to another state and ministers to the clients she serves.
“SBU faculty and staff, as well as the Bolivar community, showed me the importance of living in Christian community,” Marissa stated. “SBU operates like a family and offers a like-minded community.”
This community extends beyond the time spent on-campus in Bolivar as Marissa continues to benefit from the relationships built during her time at SBU.
“Friends I made at SBU continue to pour into my life and strengthen my Christian walk.”