Alumni Updates

April Alexander

Social WorkMaster's of Social Work, 2015 and 2016

April Alexander, 2015 Social Work and 2016 Master’s of Social Work, is a Clinical Social Worker at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Eureka. She recently presented at the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) 33rd National Oncology Conference. Alexander’s presentation, “Rural Chemotherapy Clinic Student Volunteer Support Program,” was a program she designed and implemented in collaboration with the HSU Social Work Department in the infusion clinic at St. Joseph Hospital’s Cancer Program to better serve the patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment and to support the medical staff in the clinic. The conference was attended by more than 600 cancer care professionals from across the country.

Shayna Nagel

Social WorkMinor Ethnic Studies, 2014

Shayna Nagel, Social Work, 2014, graduated from the University of Michigan with a master's degree in Social Work with an emphasis in IP health. Since graduating, she has worked at a foster care agency in Los Angeles where she created a placement program for foster youth with health issues. She has also worked at a children’s hospital in Los Angeles after hours in the house and ER. She is now following her dreams by working with people of all ages and backgrounds in hospice care.

Cedric Keith Aaron, Jr

Social WorkMaster of Social Work, 2011

While attending graduate school at HSU, I was a student clinical intern with Humboldt County Mental Health for the 2010-2011 academic school year. I was a California Social Work Education Center (CalSWEC) Mental Health Stipend recipient as a graduate student as well. After graduation, I was able to transition from intern to full-time employee with Humboldt County Mental Health as a Mental Health Clinician. I am currently working towards my LCSW license with a career goal to become an administrator with Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services. I enjoy attending HSU home football and basketball games
to cheer on our HSU student athletes!

Jeff Hernandez

Social Work, 2009

This past August Jeff celebrated his 12th year anniversary serving in the US Army. On Thursday, October 7th of this year he was promoted to Warrant Officer II (Chief) at the Fort Riley Criminal Investigation Command (CID). Jeff's current job in the army is a team chief to investigate felony level crimes with military subjects. he is able to use the knowledge gained from obtaining a degree in Social Work to help assist victims in their time of need, direct them to appropriate services, and enable them to have a voice to speak out against any wrong doings.

Jeffrey Hernandez

Social Work, 2009

Just back from a 12 month deployment to Kabul, Afghanistan and now married to Sarah Hernandez (Haddix). Have been given new orders to move to Naples, Italy and work as a Social Worker for the Navy. Promoted to the rank of SGT, the Army has given me lots of opportunities to see the world and this is just the start. Thanks to all the staff in the Social Work department for the hard work and dedication when i was in the program.

From Naples, Italy
U.S. Army SGT Jeffrey Hernandez
GO JACKS!!!!!!

Charlene Varney

Social Work, 1993

Charlene Varney, Social Work, 1993, worked for various California State agencies, county agencies, non-profits, and tribal governments in various social services programs in support of families, disabled adults, and frail elderly. She currently lives and works in Sacramento, CA, with her eldest granddaughter.

Karen Partch (Beal)

Social Work, 1983

Karen retired in December 2023 after a long career in both teaching preschool early on and then in social work for 34 years. She worked in adoptions, child protective services, and the bulk of her career as an advocate for children and adults with developmental disabilities. In addition to her paid career, she was a volunteer youth leader through various churches for over 25 years. She is now a California State Parks volunteer and enjoys having more time to be outdoors and engage in her hobbies.

Cynthia Glasgow-Ragus

Social WorkEducation, 1982

After 34 years of teaching elementary school Cynthia Glasgow-Ragus, Social Work, 1982, has retired. Her career was spent at the same school for all 34 years, the same school she attended as a child. That makes 43 years total at the same school. She is now retired and enjoying planning trips and traveling with family and friends.

Cynthia Glasgow-Ragus

Social WorkTeaching Credential Program, 1980/82

Cynthia Glasgow-Ragus, Social Work, 1980/82, retired after teaching elementary school for 34 years to travel the world and check off items on her bucket list.

Cynthia Chaney

Social Work, 1980

Cynthia loved her two years at Humboldt, where she made a lifetime friend and teases her about being a "Humboldt Honey." Cynthia graduated with a bachelor's in Social Work and went on to get a master's in Social Work from the University of Hawaii in 1993. She lived in Hawaii for 25 years and never wanted to leave. In 2013, Cynthia moved to Arizona to care for her elderly mother. She would love to catch up with her former classmates.