03/17/2026
đź’š UAM Academic Partnership in Public Child Welfare Alumni Spotlight đź’š
🌟Next in our Social Work Month Alumni Spotlight Series is Constance Williams-Harrell!🌟
Constance Williams-Harrell, a UAM alumna, earned her Bachelor of Social Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 2016. She later earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2023. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Management and Conflict Mediation.
Constance currently works for Summit Community Care as a Care Coordinator I. In her role, she helps and empowers clients with developmental or behavioral delays. Before her current position, Constance worked in the child welfare field with the Arkansas Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the Arkansas Department of Corrections, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the 10th Judicial District, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock MidSOUTH.
Constance shared that her inspiration for applying to the Academic Partnership in Public Child Welfare Stipend Program was her desire to secure dependable, reputable employment after graduation and to complete an internship that would allow her to gain hands-on experience and demonstrate the dedication required for future employment.
Constance also shared that the stipend allowed her to “solely focus on my studies without the worry of financial obligations. I was able to pay for bills, classes, tuition, and fees.” She stated that while her internship and completing the stipend program were challenging at times, they were completely “worthwhile.”
After receiving the stipend, Constance was placed at the Drew County Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) office. Constance shared that “not originally being from Drew County, being placed within this office allowed me to learn more about the county. I was also able to make lifelong connections within the community.”
Through her internship experience, Constance gained valuable insight into the realities many families face. She learned that difficult circumstances do not make someone a bad parent. Instead, many people simply need support, resources, and guidance to help their families thrive. Constance explained that DCFS plays an important role in providing that support and helping families during times of need.
Constance has a favorite mantra: “Meet people where they are.” She noted that living and working in South Arkansas has shown her firsthand the lack of resources and funding in some communities and how these challenges impact real people. She explained that many individuals and families face financial stress and may not always be aware of the resources available to them.
Constance believes that educating people and providing them with the tools and resources they need to build a more stable life is key. She hopes to empower each person she has the privilege of working with—not by solving every problem for them, but by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed long after her work with them is complete.
Constance’s advice to current students considering the stipend program:
“Go for it! Apply for the stipend program!” She explained that the application process is similar to applying for a job with the State of Arkansas, allowing students to gain valuable experience through the application and interview process.
✨ What an amazing success story! We are so thankful for Constance—her willingness to share about her educational and professional journey and the important work she is doing to support individuals, families, and communities in South Arkansas. Thank you, Constance, for making a difference! 💫
