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School of Social Work News

  1. Jaclynn M. Hawkins
     
    Jaclynn Hawkins Appointed New Curtis Center Director

    Associate Professor Jaclynn Hawkins was appointed the director of the Vivian A. and James L. Curtis Center for Health Equity Research and Training Center, effective January 2024. She has previously served as both associate director (2021-present) and acting director (2022-2023).

    Hawkins received her PhD in Social Work and Sociology through the School’s Joint Doctoral Program in 2015 and joined the School faculty in 2018. She brings extensive experience in conducting research on health care disparities. Her research focuses on identifying the causes of physical health disparities between Black men and non-Hispanic white men, and creating and evaluating diabetes health interventions with an emphasis on addressing the unique needs of Black men. Much of her work focuses on the intersection of race, age and gender in diabetes diagnosis and self-management in Black men. She is the principal investigator of the Michigan Men’s Diabetes Project, the co-director of the Michigan Center for Diabetes Translational Research Pilot/Feasibility Program and an Institute for Implementation Science Scholar.

    The Curtis Center is named in honor and recognition of the generous support of Dr. James Curtis, MD ’46,  and his wife, Vivian Curtis, MSW ’48, who shared a lifetime of collaboration blending medicine and social work. They provide ongoing inspiration to make positive change possible.

    Hawkins succeeds Professor Daphne Watkins, who directed the center from 2018-2023.  Assistant Professor Anao Zhang is the new associate director.

    • January 3, 2024
  2. Daicia R. Price
     
    Daicia Price is the New SSW Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program Director

    Clinical Associate Professor Daicia Price has been named the School’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Program Director.  Previously, she was the program’s co-director.  As director, Price will lead the rollout and implementation of the DEI 2.0 plan. 

    Price joined the School faculty in 2016.  She has clinical and macro practice experience in juvenile justice, community mental health, housing, schools and foster care, and is committed to sharing her personal and professional experiences and knowledge to support others. She engages with the community to disrupt and dismantle racism and oppression using a bioecological system and an African-centered framework.

    Price has received numerous awards for her teaching and service including U-M’s Harold J. Johnson Diversity Service Award and the Provost’s Teaching Innovation Prize. In 2019, she was voted the School’s Teacher of the Year.  She was honored by the Washtenaw Community College Foundation Women’s Council in 2022 for her significant contributions to the community.

    • January 3, 2024
  3. Matthew J. Smith
     
    Matthew Smith Appointed Associate Dean for Research

    Professor Matthew Smith was appointed the Associate Dean for Research, effective January 2024. In this role, he oversees the Office of Research, which supports faculty research endeavors, fosters a vibrant research culture, and ensures compliance with relevant policies. 

    Smith joined the School faculty in 2017. His research and scholarship focus on modifying and delivering behavioral interventions for a broad spectrum of vulnerable and underserved populations. He is the director of the Level Up: Employment Skills Simulation Lab, which develops and evaluates technology-based interventions to help obtain and sustain employment for people from marginalized and underserved communities. Specifically, Smith partners with members of the autism, mental health and returning citizen communities to develop employment-focused tools and evaluate them in real-world settings including high schools, community health agencies and prisons.

    • January 3, 2024
  4. Shawna J. Lee
     
    Shawna Lee Appointed Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs

    Professor Shawna Lee was appointed the new Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs (ADFA) as of January 2024. As ADFA, she is responsible for all academic personnel processes, including faculty recruiting, mentoring and development, promotion and tenure, and annual merit reviews.  

    After receiving five degrees from U-M (including her MSW and PhD in Social Work and Psychology), Lee joined the School faculty as an associate professor in 2012. She is the director of the Parenting in Context Research Lab and was the director of the School’s Program Evaluation Group from 2019-2023. She is the principal investigator and was the inaugural director of U-M’s statewide Title IV-E educational program.

    Lee’s research focuses on parenting, child development, child maltreatment prevention and fatherhood. She co-led the Michigan Child Welfare Inter-University Consortium to bring together over 18 schools of social work to provide access to child welfare education and training for students across the state. She worked with the Michigan Children's Services Agency to update the state child welfare certificate educational requirements. She serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief for the academic journal Children and Youth Services Review.

    • January 3, 2024
  5.  
    Social Justice Changemaker Lecture: Art as a Practice of Love and Belonging

    The School of Social Work celebrated the third annual Social Justice Changemaker Lecture with an art show, spoken word performances, and a rich conversation about community, art, incarceration, and second chances. The program, “Incarceration and its Aftermath: How Art Can Create Pathways to Reintegration and Healing,” looked at the personal and societal implications of the carceral state, the connection between creativity and freedom, and the importance of imagination and inclusion.

  6.  
    Jodi Caviani and Hannah McPherson Received 2023 Colleen Karim Staff Excellence Award

    Assistant Director of Research & Financial Operations Jodi Caviani and Hannah McPherson, administrative assistant to the Associate Dean of Educational Programs, have both received the 2023 Colleen Karim Staff Excellence Award. This new award recognizes staff members who accomplish exceptional performance and achievements in their job role, going above and beyond in their day-to-day efforts, championing and supporting the work of others, and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.

    • June 1, 2023
  7. Kathryn L. Maguire-Jack
     
    Katie Maguire-Jack Received 2023 Doctoral Student Organization Faculty Award

    Associate Professor Katie Maguire-Jack has received 2023 Doctoral Student Organization Faculty Award .The Doctoral Student Organization bestows this award to a faculty mentor who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to mentoring, developing and supporting doctoral students.

    • May 31, 2023
  8. Justin D. Hodge
     
    Justin Hodge Is 2023 Student Union Teacher of the Year

    Assistant Clinical Professor Justin Hodge was named the 2023 Student Union Teacher of the Year. This award is given by the School of Social Work students and recognizes faculty who have demonstrated commitment to improving DEI, made an outstanding and positive contribution to the School’s climate, and whose skills, dedication, understanding and caring have made a positive impact on students.

    • May 31, 2023
  9. Trina R. Shanks
     
    Trina Shanks Received 2023 Distinguished Faculty Award

    Professor Trina Shanks has received the 2023 Distinguished Faculty Award. This highly esteemed peer award recognizes governing faculty members who demonstrate excellence in domains including longevity of service to the School; national recognition in scholarship and service; excellence in teaching and mentoring; outstanding service to the School and the University; and contribution to the professional community.

    • May 31, 2023
  10. Yatesha D. Robinson
     
    Yatesha Robinson Received 2023 Distinguished Lecturer Award

    Field Faculty and Lecturer Yatesha Robinson has received the 2023 Distinguished Lecturer Award. This highly esteemed peer award recognizes excellence in teaching and mentoring of students and the very highest ideal of a School of Social Work lecturer.

    • May 31, 2023

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