ATHENS, Ga. – The University of Georgia School of Social Work (UGA SSW) announced that 10 students have been accepted to the 2025-26 Investing in the Future of Public Behavioral Health in Georgia Fellowship Program.
Sponsored by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), the Future of Public Behavioral Health in Georgia Fellowship is a competitive program designed to recruit and support the next generation of public behavioral health leaders. This year’s fellowship class includes:
| Robert Duran Carson Roark John Morris Hannah Sexton Peyton Wade | Ada Chiejina Ymmilia Miller Allison Wade Alex Watts Sarah Ozio |
The program provides financial support, specialized training and professional development opportunities for Master of Social Work (MSW) students who demonstrate a strong commitment to public service and behavioral health care in Georgia. This prestigious fellowship supports emerging social work professionals who are committed to advancing behavioral health equity and access across the state.
“The DBHDD Fellowship is not only an investment in these remarkable students but in the future of public behavioral health care in Georgia,” said Zoe Johnson, UGA SSW DBHDD Fellowship Program Coordinator. “We are excited to welcome this new cohort of fellows and support them as they prepare to make a meaningful impact in our public behavioral health system.”
Fellows are selected based on academic excellence, leadership potential and dedication to serving Georgia’s most vulnerable communities. Each member of this year’s class is in their final year of the MSW program.
In addition to their academic coursework and practicum placements, which take place in Community Service Boards (CSBs) and state hospitals, fellows participate in targeted workshops and mentorship experiences with DBHDD professionals and partners across the state. Each fellow completes enhanced training and gains hands-on experience with Georgia’s behavioral health system.
The DBHDD serves as the state agency responsible for ensuring access to high-quality prevention, treatment, and support services for individuals with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. With this fellowship, DBHDD strengthens its mission to build a competent, compassionate and community-oriented behavioral health workforce.
More information about the Future of Public Behavioral Health in Georgia Fellowship program is available here.
