BSW Program Director and Assistant Professor
Phone: (239) 590-7826
E-Mail: bbruster@fgcu.edu
Office: AB 3, Room 145

Dr. Bruster is an Assistant Professor, at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), College for Professional Studies, Division of Social Work. She received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology from Wayne State University (WSU). In 1994 she completed the Masters of Social Work program at Norfolk State University (NSU). She joined the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) in 1998. In 2001, she received her License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW) from the state of Virginia, and in 2005 she obtained her Ph.D. in Social Work from NSU. She received the Ohio State University (OSU) Dissertation Award in 2006; her dissertation focused on the strengths of African American Female Welfare Recipients.

Dr. Bruster is a published author and is currently editing a special edition journal on the Impact of Parental Incarceration on Children and Families. Her current research is focused on Child Welfare issues, Evaluation of programs which serve the poor and underrepresented communities, African American women, and HIV/AIDS.