National Park College (NPC) alumna Kristen Dobbs-Calvin was named Master’s Level Social
Work Student of the Year by the Arkansas Chapter of the National Association of Social
Workers from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) School of Social Work.
Dobbs-Calvin received her Associate of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences from NPC
in 2019. She completed her bachelor’s degree at UALR in 2021 and will complete her
master’s degree in advanced direct practice clinical social work in 2022.
“NPC’s 2+2 social work program allowed me a seamless transfer directly into UALR’s
bachelor of social work program as a sophomore while allowing me to remain close to
home for my first two years as a social work major,” stated Dobbs-Calvin. “The social
work classes I took at NPC definitely prepared me for my undergraduate journey at
UALR. Susan Millerd was beyond helpful in assisting me with the application process
and ensured that I was 100% prepared upon completion of my ASLAS at NPC.”
UALR offers an advanced standing accelerated program to graduate level students in
the social work field to earn a master’s degree in 12 months. It is an intensive program
and requires a minimum of a 3.5 GPA. Advanced direct practice students are trained
to become mental health providers who provide therapeutic services and diagnose mental
health.
Dobbs-Calvin interns at NPC under the supervision of Susan Millerd and provides therapeutic
interventions. She also developed and facilitates a grief and loss support group on
the NPC campus that is open to both staff and students.
Intervention specialist and counselor Susan Millerd said, “Throughout my relationship
and work with Kristen, she has exemplified the best of being a social worker. She
demonstrates the ethics and values of our profession and demonstrates the ability
to respect others without judgment. She is organized and on top of her work and seeks
opportunities for growth and experience at all times.”
“National Park College feels like home to me. It’s in my hometown and it’s where I
completed my first degree. I am forever grateful for my NPC experience,” noted Calvin-Dobbs.
