University Star

The creator of Texas State’s online social work program has earned a Distance Learning in Higher Education Award. Mary Jo Biggs, associate professor in the School of Social Work, earned this distinction from the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education.

“This is an award for online programs. Dr. Biggs created the first national Masters of Social Work online program at Texas State that now serves students in Texas and all over the United States,” said Jaime Chahin, dean of applied arts.

Biggs was nominated by Chahin and was later selected by a committee compromised of professors all over the country. The University of Phoenix sponsored the award committee, which honors a Latina or Latino in the field of distance education.

“I was really surprised and grateful because it’s really not for me,” Biggs said. “It’s an award that goes to the university, which has been incredibly supportive. It was really nice to be nationally recognized for something I had been working so hard in.”

Biggs began the online program two years ago in an effort to facilitate individuals who cannot come to San Marcos and receive their masters.

“It is such a good program for rural students, who if it wasn’t for the online program couldn’t get their Master of Social Work degree,” Biggs said. “It’s for those who have full time jobs, kids and even for those who don’t live in Texas.”

Christine Norton, assistant professor of social work, said Biggs has not only been a source of help to her students but to her coworkers as well.

“I began working here about three years ago as an assistant professor and since then Dr. Biggs has been a mentor,” Norton said. “I’ve known her to be such a hands on professor and a great help to her students.”

In turn, Chahin was the mentor for Biggs. Chahin said he has known Biggs since the beginning of her undergraduate degree at Texas State.

“I recommended her to graduate school and now she is a doctor,” Chahin said. “I was her social work professor back in the 1980’s and ’90s. Dr. Biggs is a dedicated professor who is committed to her students and is constantly working to be the best professor she can be.”

Chahin said this award speaks highly for Texas State.

“Texas State professors are competing nationally and they are second to none,” Chahin said. “We have excellent professors that are developing national programs which have had very successful results. The students are getting a quality education at Texas State and our professors are getting honored and recognized for their hard work.”