Gulf Park Campus Expands Academic Faculty to Educate Students on Coastal Resilience

Mon, 08/21/2023 - 12:32pm | By: Cynthia Habeeb

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is proud to announce the expansion of its academic faculty for the School of Social Work at the USM Gulf Park campus, with a focus on educating students about the challenges and resilience of coastal communities. This initiative aims to prepare students for the unique situations they may encounter within a coastal community, including the aftermath of natural disasters.

Coastal resilience is symbolic of the precarious position that coastal communities often find themselves in, as well as their ability to rebound and thrive after significant events. With the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, future professionals will require a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in working with clients in coastal communities.

Dr. Erica Morgan and Dr. Deslie Bonano-Broussard, each with more than 22 years of experience in a coastal community environment, will be joining the academic faculty at the Gulf Park campus. They have worked closely with patients during challenging times, including the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Their firsthand experience and expertise will provide students with invaluable insights into the unique situations they may encounter when working with clients in coastal communities,” states Dr. Jacob Breland, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Coastal USM.

"It is important to me that students have a full understanding of the unique situations they may find themselves in with a client," says Dr. Jerome Kolbo, Director and Professor for the School of Social Work at Gulf Park. "It is not just about everyday interactions, but also about how individuals cope with the aftermath of natural disasters in a coastal community."

Dr. Deslie Bonano-Broussard Dr. Deslie Bonano-Broussard earned her MSW from The University of Southern Mississippi and a DSW from Tulane University. Broussard has previously worked in areas of adoption and family preservation. Currently, she has a private practice in Picayune, MS. In addition, Broussard is a volunteer grant writer for Family Helping Families, a doctoral student mentor at Tulane University and a trauma-informed yoga teacher. She recently served on the doctoral accreditation committee at Tulane School of Social Work. Her research focuses on clinical and adjunctive treatments for traumatic stress.

Dr. Erica Morgan Dr. Morgan received her MSW from Louisiana State University and DSW from Tulane. Her extensive background includes working in various settings, from traditional outpatient to residential care in public mental health, private practice, private hospitals and non-profit organizations. She has also been actively involved in suicide prevention efforts, serving as Vice-President and Board Member of the St. Tammany Outreach for the Prevention of Suicide (STOPS) from 2010 to 2019.