SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL WORK

One of Veronica H. Knowles’s life missions is to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves in a way that others can understand, a commitment she upholds as a licensed social worker and instructor at Mississippi State University.

“Representation matters,” said Knowles, reflecting on her roles in shaping the future of social work at both state and national levels.

“I think that we have a unique culture here in the South that many people are unfamiliar with in other places in the U.S. A person’s community and belonging are some of the most important aspects of who they are as a person. My goal in accepting roles to state and national boards was to ensure that people across the country could hear and appreciate the perspectives from Mississippians. In the South, this has been seen especially around hard times. People have come together across all lines: race, religion, political views, even football.”

In 2022, Knowles was appointed as one of 37 members of the Practice Analysis Task Force by the Association of Social Work Boards—a task force responsible for providing subject matter expertise and helping shape the content outlines for the next iteration of social work licensing exams, set to be released in January 2026.

In addition to her work with the ASWB, Knowles was appointed in July 2023 by Gov. Tate Reeves to the Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists, and currently serves as the board’s vice chair.

Her role on these boards involves addressing challenging issues within the profession, as they relate to public protection and setting the standards for practice within Mississippi.

“As a board member for MBOE,

By Sarah Nicholas

I am a regulator. This is a public servant position, and as a regulator I am charged with ensuring the public is protected. I work with other members to make sure that professionals licensed and practicing in the areas of social work and marriage and family therapy are providing services that are ethical.”

“My hope is that the profession continues to strengthen and thrive,” said Knowles, who is optimistic about the evolving landscape of her field. “My desire is that social work is recognized, respected and accepted. This will be evident by funding programs that include necessities like school social workers, pay parity, access to mental health services and development of graduate programs.”

As an MSU faculty member since 2017, Knowles integrates her experiences into her teaching.

“I encourage, support and empower students to become involved in service outside of the classroom,” she said. “I look for service and experiential learning opportunities for students to help them marry the concepts and theories learned in the classroom with real-time experiences.”

Her involvement extends beyond professional duties, as she has volunteered with organizations like the American Red Cross and Special Olympics.

“My time spent in these capacities helps me appreciate the need for inclusion even more. I push hard that every policymaker considers the groups and populations who are often overlooked and marginalized. I think that increasing diversity only builds a stronger outcome and supports a positive progression towards inclusion for everyone: professionals and consumers,” said Knowles.

Knowles’s commitment to social work and her dedication to both teaching and community service continue to shape the future of the profession, ensuring that it remains ethical and responsive to the needs of all individuals and communities.

“Social workers help people overcome some of life’s most difficult challenges,” she said. “As a social work instructor, I help future generations of helpers.” u

ABOUT VERONIC KNOWLES

Veronica H. Knowles is a social work educator at Mississippi State University with experience in mental health, child welfare, healthcare and management. A Licensed Certified Social Worker, she is involved with the National Kidney Foundation, NASW and AAIDD, and volunteers with the Red Cross and Special Olympics.