Kate Forster, MSW
Director of Advocacy
Email: kforster@olemiss.edu
Kate Forster has an undergraduate degree from Middlebury College and received her Master of Social Work from Boston University. She has worked in higher education throughout her career as a social worker, beginning in the counseling centers at Boston University, University of California Berkeley and at Sarah Lawrence College. Kate transitioned into student affairs work at Colorado Mountain College before taking time to be home with her two young children. Kate joined the university as a case manager in June of 2016, after relocating with her family from Los Angeles.
Mandi Bloodworth, LMSW
Case Manager for Respondent Services
Email: mandib@olemiss.edu
Phone: 662-915-4341
Mandi is a Louisiana native but has found her home in Mississippi. Mandi received a B.A. in Classics from The University of Mississippi and then went on to earn her Master of Social Work from Louisiana State University. Following graduate school, Mandi moved back to Oxford where she worked in a community mental health setting as a school therapist. Mandi joined the University as a Case Manager in January of 2019 and served in a supportive role for Resident Assistants and residential students for several years before transitioning to her current role as the Case Manager for Respondent Services. In this capacity, Mandi provides support and accommodations for students who have been accused of violating a Title IX policy.
Jasmine Strickland, LSW
Case Manager for Student Housing
Email: jjanayst@olemiss.edu
Phone: 662-915-1206
Jasmine is a Mississippi native from Sardis, MS. She received her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Mississippi in 2016. Jasmine has worked in medical social work and case management since December 2016 and became a certified special education teacher in 2020 in advocacy of her son with autism and niece with cerebral palsy. She is a daughter, wife, mother of two boys, sister, and dear friend. Jasmine joined the University of Mississippi in August of 2024. She works as the Case Manager for Student Housing, serving residential students and providing support and wellness education for Resident Assistants.
Abbie Austin, MSW
Basic Needs Case Manager
Email: aaustin3@olemiss.edu
Phone: 662-915-1371
Abbie is originally from the Metro Detroit, Michigan area, but is now happy to enjoy the warm Mississippi weather. Abbie has a Bachelor of Social Work from Oakland University, and she has had a diverse background including roles in park recreation operations, an internship with drug court, and an internship at Finch-Henry Job Corps Center in Batesville. She moved to Mississippi and got her Master of Social Work at the University of Mississippi where she also served as a Graduate Case Manager for UMatter and Student Housing. In August 2024, she enthusiastically transitioned into her current role as Basic Needs Case Manager, where she manages emergency housing, Grove Grocery, Lyceum Locker, and assists students with financial hardships.