By Jaelon Jackson
School of Social Work
MSW student, Melody Mesmer
A Master of Social Work student at the University of Texas at Arlington has been awarded the 2025 Ima Hogg Scholarship, a competitive honor recognizing top graduate students committed to expanding mental health services in Texas.
The Ima Hogg Scholarship, established in 1956 by philanthropist Ima Hogg, addresses the critical shortage of mental health professionals across the state. Each year, the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health awards one scholarship to a student nominated by each accredited Texas graduate school of social work. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement and a demonstrated commitment to serving communities after graduation.
Melody Mesmer, a firefighter paramedic with nearly three decades of service in the fire and EMS industry, brings extensive frontline experience to the social work field. In 2016, she founded a nonprofit organization to support first responders and their families through peer support training and mental wellness services. Her organization has delivered more than 12,500 hours of mental health care to over 3,500 first responders across Colorado and Texas.
In 2018, Mesmer earned a national certification as a Peer Support Specialist in Trauma. Recognizing the lack of mental health resources in rural Texas, she returned to school to pursue an MSW and plans to obtain her licensed master social worker certification. She hopes to expand access to culturally conscious mental health care in Freestone, Navarro, Anderson and Leon counties.
“My work in the first responder industry doesn't have to stop because of social work — I think it can be enhanced and expanded,” Mesmer said. “Expanding my education allows me to expand care and support in our communities.”
Mesmer said her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she worked outside her usual paramedic role of providing direct care to hospital patients, inspired her to pursue social work. She emphasized the importance of connecting people to resources, addressing fears and providing emotional support.
“Freestone County and the surrounding areas have minimal accessibility to services not related to pastoral care,” Mesmer said. “Adding professional credentials will be helpful to the East Texas Critical Incident Stress Management team and those we serve.”
Personally, Mesmer said the scholarship is not only a financial relief but also an affirmation of her work supporting first responders.
“Receiving this scholarship has been a huge boost to my self-esteem and recognition of the work I have put into the first responder community to keep them safe, happy and alive,” she said. “I am incredibly humbled and thankful. I will be a steward of your funds and reputation in the philanthropy community.”
Dr. Jaclyn Kirsch, a member of the scholarship selection committee, said Mesmer’s application was especially compelling.
“Melody's application stood out to the committee due to her obvious commitment to her community,” Kirsch said. “Her drive, passion and love for her community clearly came through in her application, and it is an honor for our committee to be able to provide her a scholarship that will allow her to finish her degree with less financial stress.”
Mesmer said she remains committed to expanding support for first responders experiencing stress, trauma and loss, and views this scholarship as a way to continue making a lasting impact.