Evangel grads serving as social workers in federal prison

November 24, 2008

Dr. Grant Jones, Lt. Cmdr. Scott Conner,
Lt. Christine Nemeti and Lacey Nunnally

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Exposing students to the variety of unique and exciting careers in the field of social work is one of Professor Lacey Nunnally’s favorite aspects of her job. That’s why she always looks forward to having alums Scott Conner and Christine Nemeti on campus to talk to her students.

Lt. Cmdr. Conner, a 1998 graduate, and Lt. Nemeti, a 1999 graduate, both received psychology degrees from Evangel and went on to receive a master’s in social work. They are now serving in the Public Health Service Corps and stationed at the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Mo.

It’s a career neither could have imagined as students – but one that has proven to be rewarding personally, professionally and financially.

The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is an elite team of more than 6,000 full-time, well-trained, highly qualified public health professionals dedicated to delivering the nation's public health promotion and disease prevention programs and advancing public health science. Driven by a passion for public service, these men and women serve on the frontlines in the nation's fight against disease and poor health conditions.

As one of America's seven uniformed services, the Commissioned Corps fills essential public health leadership and service roles within the Nation's Federal Government agencies and programs.

Conner and Nemeti spent a day on campus in November speaking in classes about how to incorporate a behavioral science degree with a career in public health.

Nemeti, who also received a degree in missions, spoke of the ministry opportunities in her position as well. “We are working in the middle of a missionfield,” says Nemeti. “Every day inmates are faced with those ‘what’s the meaning of life’ questions and we have the opportunity to help guide them through it.’”

Both Nemeti and Conner had the missions opportunity of a lifetime this year when the Corps deployed them on a monthlong mission partnering with the U.S. Navy called “Pacific Partnership.” They deployed on a naval hospital ship and visited countries like Papua New Guinea, Micronesia and other Pacific Island nations delivering medical, dental and engineering services.

Conner has also been deployed during hurricane relief efforts.

Both say they have found a career that epitomizes the mission of Evangel University — training students to integrate life, learning and faith — and encourage any student interested in psychology, social work or criminal justice to consider joining them in the Corps.