Rust College student Reggie Small receives 2026 NASW-MS BSW Student of the Year Award
JANS – Reggie Small, a senior Rust College Social Work major, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 National Association of Social Workers Mississippi Chapter (NASW-MS) Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Student of the Year Award. The prestigious honor recognizes an outstanding social work student who demonstrates excellence in academics, leadership, service, and commitment to the profession.
Small was nominated by the Rust College Department of Social Work and selected for the statewide award based on his exceptional academic achievements, extensive campus leadership, meaningful community engagement, and dedication to advancing the well-being of others.
Throughout his academic career, Small has distinguished himself as a scholar, leader, and servant. He has maintained a 3.7 grade point average while actively participating in numerous campus organizations and leadership initiatives. His academic accomplishments include recognition as a McNair HBCU Scholar, membership in the E.A. Smith Honors Program, the E.A. Presidential Scholarship, and several academic honors and scholarships recognizing his excellence in social work, communications, and leadership.
“Reggie embodies the mission of social work through his commitment to service, advocacy, and academic excellence,” said the Rust College Social Work faculty. “His leadership, compassion, and dedication to improving the lives of others make him exceptionally deserving of this honor.
“We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and confident that he will continue making a positive impact in the communities he serves.”
A highly engaged student leader, Small has contributed significantly to campus life through his involvement in the Social Work Student Association, Campus Activity Board, Student Government Association, Residence Life, Rust College Student Ambassadors Program, the E.A. Smith Honors Program, and the McNair HBCU Scholars Program. His peers recognized his leadership and character by electing him Mr. Rust College for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Beyond campus, Small has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to community service. His volunteer work includes supporting local food banks, nursing home outreach programs, Project Transformation Tennessee, campus beautification initiatives, and youth development programs through Mississippi 4-H and the 4-H Robotics Club. His service reflects the social work profession’s core values of compassion, service, dignity, and social responsibility.
Small has also developed a strong passion for advocating on behalf of older adults and vulnerable populations. During the summer of 2025, he completed his field placement at Grace Hospice Center, where he gained valuable experience supporting elderly clients and their families during critical stages of care.
His commitment to research and social justice is reflected in his undergraduate thesis, which examines how cultural and spiritual beliefs influence elderly engagement with end-of-life services. Through qualitative research and extensive literature review, Small explored the factors that shape decision-making among older adults and identified opportunities for more culturally responsive social work interventions and hospice care services. He will present his research findings to faculty members within the Social Sciences Division during the spring semester.
“Receiving the NASW-MS BSW Student of the Year Award is both an honor and a blessing,” said Small. “I am grateful to the Rust College Social Work Department for its mentorship, support, and encouragement throughout my academic journey. This recognition inspires me to continue advocating for vulnerable populations and to use social work as a vehicle for positive change.”
