2024 Impact Report
From Nigeria to Texas: How an Ima Hogg Scholarship Shaped Francis Okafor’s Journey in Mental Health
Each year, the Hogg Foundation awards Ima Hogg Scholarships to social work graduate students who have committed to joining the mental health workforce in Texas. We firmly believe in supporting their career goals as a sound investment in the quality and quantity of mental health services across the state. For this Impact Story we reached out to Francis Okafor, a 2022 Ima Hogg Scholar, to chat with him about his experience. Originally from Enugu, Nigeria, Francis currently works as a program manager for the Dean of Students at Texas Tech University.
What motivated you to pursue a Master of Social Work degree?
Having worked in the helping professions previously, I wanted to be a counselor and was going to enroll in a counseling program. But I discovered that with a master’s in social work I could not only do counseling but a lot more. It’s the variety of career options that drew me in.
How did receiving the Ima Hogg Scholarship impact your experience as a student?
Receiving the Ima Hogg scholarship boosted my confidence and solidified my conviction about what I wanted to do after school, which is to make an impact in the mental health field.
What motivated you to remain in Texas and provide mental health services to underserved individuals and communities?
First off, I have grown to love Texas. The people here are amazing. As an immigrant, I have been lucky to find a wonderful community here in Lubbock. Perhaps it’s that southern hospitality!
My main motivation is a realization that I had a long time ago, that nothing else in this life, no other career path will give me as much fulfilment, than knowing that I spent my life positively helping and impacting others.
Ima Hogg Scholarships
Participating Master of Social Work Programs
- Abilene Christian University
- Angelo State University
- Baylor University
- Our Lady of the Lake University
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Tarleton State University
- Texas A&M University – Commerce
- Texas A&M University – Kingsville
- Texas A&M University – Texarkana
- Texas Christian University
- Texas State University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Houston
- The University of Texas at Arlington
- The University of Texas at Austin
- The University of Texas at El Paso
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- The University of Texas at San Antonio
- West Texas State University
Describe your experience working in the mental health field since receiving your degree.
I work as a case manager in a college setting, specifically Texas Tech University, an institution of about 45,000 students. In my role, I assess, screen, educate, and advocate for students whose academic success is being impacted by various factors, including mental health. With the current mental health crisis affecting our young adults, I am well positioned to make significant contributions.
Outside of my job, I also recently published a paper promoting increased adoption of alternative mental health treatment approaches. It was titled, “Reducing Barriers to Help-seeking in Ethnic Minorities in the USA.” I also presented on a similar topic at PeerFest 2024.
What challenges and achievements have you experienced while working professionally?
Social work is a career that offers a wide variety of career paths, so it can be difficult deciding to stick to a particular field. Due to the population we work with, there is the secondhand trauma that comes from all the stories of people you are helping which ultimately leads to emotional fatigue. Lastly, the pay for social workers can be a lot better.
For achievements and accomplishments, working as a program manager for case management at a huge university has been a blessing. I also currently serve as deputy chair for case management at Texas Tech University. As previously mentioned, I am proud to have published a paper promoting adoption of alternative mental health treatment approaches and presenting a session at PeerFest 2024.
What motivates you to continue working in the mental health field?
In the long term, I want to improve access to mental health treatment for underserved populations. Also, I wish to be a beacon of light, a force that gets other Black men passionate about their mental health.