Inspired by grandfather, twin sisters earn doctorate social work degrees

When identical twins Andrea and Adrian Thompson received their Doctor of Social Work degrees Saturday, May 16, at Tulane University's Unified Commencement in Caesars Superdome, they were thinking of their late grandfather, Alvester Murphy.

Murphy, they said, was all about community, from helping build homes for single mothers in their hometown of Camden, New Jersey, to serving as a member of their neighborhood watch group. He had all the makings of a social worker, except the formal education.

"He was a social worker in his own way," Andrea said. "After his death, it became clear. I needed to continue his legacy and the important work of advocating for our most vulnerable populations."

"He's a big reason we both went into social work," Adrian said. "I always say he was an honorary social worker. He was deeply committed to investing in his community and uplifting the people around him."

Though their grandfather passed away in 2012, they know he would be proud of the twins. Both Andrea and Adrian hold bachelor's degrees in psychology and master's degrees in social work from Rutgers University, as well as MBAs from Western Governors University.

They have been clinical social workers in New Jersey for more than five years. Their work experience also includes teaching and supervising social work students, conducting research and presenting at conferences across the country. Much of their research has been published in peer-reviewed journals.

But despite their impressive resumés, the sisters knew there was more to learn. They found exactly what they were looking for in the Doctor of Social Work program at Tulane School of Social Work.

"When I initially looked into Tulane's DSW program in 2023, the website said, 'Yes, you are doctor material,'" Andrea said. "After my first semester, I quickly realized that obtaining my DSW was an important step to expanding my knowledge, becoming an active researcher and expanding my expertise and influence."

Adrian agreed. "Getting my Doctor of Social Work feels both personal and purposeful for me," she said. "This degree is something I carry for my grandfather as much as it is for me."

Andrea's connection to Tulane began years earlier during a visit to New Orleans, when she stopped to take a photo of the School of Social Work building on Elk Place. Later, as she researched doctoral programs, Tulane stood out.

"What really sold me was their commitment to doing work that matters," she said.

For Adrian, the decision was about both fit and mission. "Tulane SSW felt intentional about preparing social workers to engage with communities through advocacy, policy, direct practice and research," she said. "That alignment with my values and goals made it the right fit for me."

Both describe their Tulane experience as transformative. Though the program is primarily online, each participated in an in-person summer immersion in New Orleans, strengthening connections with classmates and faculty.

"The Tulane experience exceeded my expectations," Andrea said. "The faculty and staff were supportive, encouraging and truly invested in my future."

Adrian found similar value in the academic rigor. "Every class brought its own set of challenges, but for me, that created opportunities to learn and grow," she said. "Each course pushed me in a different way, which I appreciated."

A defining part of their time at Tulane was earning a Sport Social Work Certificate through a partnership with the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports, a nonprofit that supports the well-being of athletes and teams through social work.

"The program was transformational and invigorated my passion for sport research and athlete mental health and wellbeing," Andrea said.

Adrian plans to carry that work forward. "I plan to specialize in this area," she said. "I want to continue engaging in sport-specific research and advocacy."

Although their paths may take different directions, the sisters' shared mission remains the same: to uplift communities and expand opportunities for others, just as their grandfather did.

"I think it really matters for people to see someone who looks like them or comes from a similar background doing things they may not have imagined for themselves," Adrian said.