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Donna McElveen

Donna McElveen

Walden University

Career Roadmap

Donna's work combines: Education, Non-Profit Organizations, and Building Things

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Day In The Life

Director of Field Education

I oversee field education for the Master of Social Work Program.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

    Etowah High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Human Services, General

    Virginia Wesleyan College

  • Graduate Degree

    Clinical/Medical Social Work

    University of St. Thomas

  • Doctorate

    Social Work

    Capella University

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary:

High School

Bachelor's Degree: Human Services, General

Graduate Degree: Clinical/Medical Social Work

Doctorate: Social Work

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    Obtained my Master's Degree in Social Work.

  • 2.

    Began teaching in a social work program at a university.

  • 3.

    Pursued my Doctoral Degree in Social Work.

  • 4.

    Continued teaching at a university.

  • 5.

    Developed field courses and field education systems.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Society in general:

    Fortunately, I don't think I had many naysayers in my life. My noise came from my own feelings of self-doubt. Others were supportive, but I had to believe in me before I could move forward.

  • How I responded:

    I overcame my self doubt by taking the first step. I didn't know my goals and I had little direction, but enrolling in that first college course was the first step to finding my professional passion. That first step led to many steps on my path. I am still taking steps. . .

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • Time was a big challenge. I worked full-time, had a family, and many other obligations. I remember saying, "I just don't have time to do this now." Making my education a priority was the only thing that made it happen.