Contact: Sammy McDavid
Brandy Johnson
A Mississippi State senior from Florence is being honored by a state organization for her achievements in the study and practice of social work.
Brandy J. Johnson recently received the Undergraduate Student of the Year Award from the Mississippi Chapter, National Association of Social Workers. She is a President's Scholar at the university--with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average--and vice president of the Mississippi State Association of Student Social Workers.
"In her academic work, Ms. Johnson goes beyond what is expected," said assistant professor Ike Burson, interim director of the MSU social work program. "She does not simply complete her assignments because they are 'required,' but demonstrates a keen interest in the subject matter and a sincere commitment to learning."
In addition to her duties with the student social workers organization, Johnson has served as a volunteer with the Starkville Public Schools' Emerson Family Center. She also has been active with local literacy and other community service projects.
A 2000 McLaurin Attendance Center graduate, Johnson is the daughter of Joyce Jones of Florence and Jimmy Jones of Raymond. She also graduated in 2002 from Hinds Community College.
She was among seven representatives of accredited state collegiate social work programs competing for the honor. They were judged on the basis of demonstrated leadership, volunteerism and the promise for professional success after graduation, among other traits.