New staffer supports social work students at Anton/Frankel Center

Heather El-Khoury, left, will work with students as they find and complete their required internships in OU's social work program.

As part of a broad effort to bring quality academic programs to Macomb County, Oakland University's Bachelor of Social Work program launched its first cohort at the Anton/Frankel Center (AFC) in fall 2012.

In light of the program's continued growth, the University recently added a new staff member dedicated to serving students at the AFC campus, which is located in Mount Clemens. Heather El-Khoury was hired this summer as Coordinator of Field and Student Support, a new position that is devoted to helping students with advising and field practicum placements.

“I have 43 students that view AFC as their main campus and many other Social Work students take classes at this campus; I am here to support them in any way I can,” said El-Khoury, who joins OU after serving in a similar role at Madonna University for the past six years. She has also worked for community organizations, including Spaulding for Children, Volunteers Of America, The Children's Center and Common Ground Sanctuary. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Madonna University and a Master of Social Work from Wayne State University.

To earn a degree, students in Oakland's Bachelor of Social Work program are required to complete field experiences at social services agencies. El-Khoury believes that networking is vital to establishing the best internship opportunities for students. She will be responsible for maintaining existing field sites and acquiring new ones for the Social Work program at AFC.    

“It is important to get out and meet people at the agencies and see how they are connected to each other,” El-Khoury said. “This allows me to place students where they can get the most out of their internships. Every week I am contacting new agencies and hoping to get meetings to see the agencies and hear about all the wonderful services they provide.”

Along with coordinating student internships, El-Khoury also wants to help students overcome challenges that can get in the way of their education.

“I want to sit down with them and help them work it out and find supports so they can continue to be an excellent students and graduate,” she said.

Getting to know students – helping them with course selection and career planning – is a top priority for El-Khoury, and she also plans to make connections with county leaders and recruit students from local community colleges.

“I am successful when my students are successful,” she said. “I also love the location. This is a great place to be.” 

To learn more about OU's social work program at the Anton/Frankel Center, visit oakland.edu/AFCMacombSW, or contact El-Khoury at (248) 370-3914 or elkhoury@oakland.edu