Undergraduate Student Leader Program Overview

The Undergraduate Student Leader (USL) Program is designed to build community and connections between BSW students and strengthen the bond that students have with the School of Social Work by facilitating the exchange of accurate and timely information. Each BSW student in the program is assigned to a USL, a fellow student who has received extensive training on leadership, communication, and information on the School and BSW program.

What do USLs Do?

The USLs serve as advocates and communication facilitators for School of Social Work (SSW) students, fielding questions about all of aspects of the undergraduate and graduate experience, including advising, practicum, registration, orientation, scholarships, deadlines, program policies, and more. The USLs are able to provide quick and accurate answers to your questions.

Meet Your Summer 2026 Undergraduate Student Leaders!

Supporting Undergraduate Students Last Names A – F: Mary Ford

Hi, my name is Mary, and I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Social Work. I am passionate about helping people navigate life’s challenges, build confidence, and recognize their ability to grow through difficult seasons. My background in mentorship and life coaching has helped me develop a passion for encouraging others, shifting perspectives, and creating spaces where people feel supported and heard.

I plan to focus on medical social work, to later transition into sports social work. I am especially interested in supporting athletes with their mental well-being, personal development, and life beyond competition, while helping them navigate pressure, identity, and major life transitions. As an Undergraduate Student Leader, I hope to be someone students feel comfortable connecting with, whether they need encouragement, guidance, or simply someone who genuinely listens. I want to help create a positive and inclusive environment where students feel supported as they navigate their academic journey. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, gardening, and volunteering in my community, which helps me stay grounded and balanced.

Supporting Undergraduate Students Last Names A – F: Richelle Gibson

Hello, my name is Richelle Gibson, and I am currently a junior in the BSW program.  My goal is to become an advocate for children and teens who are at risk of being involved in the criminal justice system.  I previously worked in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system in both healthcare and administrative intake processing roles, where I gained experience communicating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and understanding the challenges many face.

As an undergraduate student leader, I look forward to creating an environment where my fellow students feel comfortable addressing their concerns, asking questions, and knowing that they are heard and supported while on their educational journey. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, attending my nieces’ and nephew’s various sports, and traveling with my husband.

Supporting Undergraduate Students Last Names G – M: Beth Glasscock

 Hi, my name is Beth Glasscock! I am a senior Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) student at UT Arlington and a proud mother of two. My academic dedication here at UTA is something I take great pride in; I recently achieved the milestone of qualifying for the President's List, a distinction requiring a 4.0 semester GPA alongside a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and 30 residency credits. This follows my graduation from Amarillo College, where I earned my Associate of Science in Psychology with highest honors and a 4.0 GPA.

As a fully online student leader, I am passionate about virtual peer support and advocating for distance learners who navigate their education outside of the physical campus environment. Within the university, I serve remotely as an Academic Mentor and peer statistics tutor. I am also a McNair Scholar finalist, an active member of multiple honor societies (including Phi Theta Kappa, Phi Sigma Pi, Omicron Delta Kappa, and the National Society of Leadership and Success), and a recipient of the Brickly Triumph Award for resilience and community impact.

My advocacy work is deeply rooted in both my professional history managing municipal housing programs (like ESG and TBRA grant monitoring) and my own lived experience overcoming poverty, homelessness, and substance use. Because I have walked those paths myself, I focus my work on macro-level practice and systemic change. My ultimate goal is to pursue an MSW and DSW to become a university professor. My core mission is to bring authentic, lived perspective directly into the classroom, enriching student education and providing vital real-world insight to the next generation of social workers before they step out into the field.

Supporting Undergraduate Students Last Names G – M: Emily Mares

Hi, my name is Emily Mares. I am a senior in the Bachelor of Social Work program here at UTA, with two minors: Diversity Studies and Clinical Psychology. This fall, I will be going into my second year with the university.

I previously attended Tarrant County College, where I received my Associate of Arts and Certificate in Social Work. In the coming years, I intend to go for my MSW, as well as become an LCSW, so that I may work with children and families to build an environment that is safe and inclusive for all.

Two topics that I am passionate about are mental health and domestic violence. I believe no one should have to deal with these alone, and I want to focus my career on creating spaces where discussion of these topics is possible without shame or embarrassment. Some of my accomplishments include being a first-generation college student and a Dean's List honoree, both at TCC and UTA. I hope to help many students through my position as an Undergraduate Student Leader.

Supporting Undergraduate Students Last Names N – Z: Tamanique Page

Supporting Undergraduate Students Last Names N – Z: Patrick Williams