10 Northwestern Social Work Seniors Step into Field Practicum Assignments

January 21, 2026

ALVA, Okla. — Ten Northwestern Oklahoma State University senior social work majors began their field practicum assignments at agencies throughout Oklahoma and Kansas this spring semester.

As part of their degree requirements, students must complete 420 contact hours, demonstrate 20 professional behaviors, and master the program's nine core competencies established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Field education serves as the signature pedagogy of social work, preparing students for professional practice by integrating classroom learning with real-world experience. Through these placements, students gain hands-on experience, allowing them to apply the knowledge and skills developed throughout their academic coursework.

"Each student in field education is paired with a field instructor who generously volunteers their time to support student learning and to reinforce core social work values, behaviors, and competencies," said Codi Harding, director of field experience and assistant professor of social work. "We are grateful for all of our past and present field instructors."

Spring 2026 Field Practicum Student Placements

Listed below are the students currently in their field practicums, hometowns, and their practicum agency placements:

Itzel Castillo of Laverne at the Circle of Care in Woodward;

Kaydence Decker of Blair at the Department of Human Services in Oklahoma City;

James Fanning of Enid at Department of Human Services in Enid;

Mattie Gore of Taloga at Bent Creek Counseling Services in Woodward;

Karly Green of Newton, Kansas, at Great Plains Health Center in Cherokee;

Tyra Hostetler of Harper, Kansas, at the Patterson Health Center in Anthony, Kansas;

Jenna Maier of Alva at Bill Johnson Correctional Facility in Alva;

Guadalupe Melchor of Glenville, Georgia, at Shamrock Counseling Services in Enid;

Nicole Posada of Guymon at the Western Plains Youth and Family Services in Woodward;

and Alana Shotpouch of Jay at Delaware County Children's Special Advocacy Network in Jay.

For more information, visit the Northwestern Department of Social Work online or contact Harding at clharding@nwosu.edu or (580) 213-3148.

-NW-

Media Contact:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
Email: sjdoherty@nwosu.edu
Phone: (580) 327-8480