School of Social Work News

Todd I. Herrenkohl the Marion Elizabeth Blue Professor of Children and Families is the editor in chief of the Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research (JSSWR). The journal is a peer-reviewed publication dedicated to presenting innovative, rigorous original research on social problems, intervention programs, and policies. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Herrenkohl as JSSWR’s editor-in-chief,” says Luis H. Zayas, president of the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Board of Directors. “I’m certain that Todd will continue the journal’s upward trajectory and legacy of excellence, bringing new ideas to further advance social work research, knowledge, and impact." Herrenkohl will serve a 5-year term, 2020–2025, during which time he also will head the JSSWR Editorial Board and serve as a member of the SSWR Committee on Publications.

LEO Lecturer Julie Cushman has been selected as the recipient of the 2020 Distinguished Lecturer Award. For over twenty years, her exceptional dedication and commitment to social work values have made a positive impact on both the education of students and the climate of the School.

Cushman has taught a wide variety of classes and developed innovative ways to support student growth with opportunities outside the classroom. Most notably, she worked over many years with students to develop an experiential learning game, “Power: A Game of Positionality and Intersectionality.” Designed to teach complex adaptive change theory and intersectionality, the game is used in several courses at the School as well as at the U-M School of Public Health.

Associate Professor Shawna Lee, author of a recent study on the stress of parenting amid this crisis talks with Tonya Mosley from Here & Now a National Public Radio live midday news program. 

Clinical Associate Professor Beth Sherman was selected as the 2020 Student Union Teacher of the Year.  Each year, the Student Union recognizes a professor at the School whose skills, dedication, understanding and commitment have made a positive impact on the lives of students. Nominations from students also consider service and contribution to the School’s climate.

“Over the years I have been incredibly honored to be a part of the University of Michigan School of Social Work community, helping to support our students on their paths to becoming kind, strong, social justice seeking, and capable social workers. In the current uncertainty, to have my efforts appreciated by the ones who matter most to me, means everything,” says Sherman. 

The National Institute of Mental Health is funding Lauren White, Joint PhD student in Social Psychology and Social Work, to study a new suicide prevention model, Promoting Community Conversations About Research to End Suicide. The program is a health intervention designed, supported and implemented by remote communities in Northwest Alaska to decrease youth suicide. Professor Lisa Wexler is the principal investigator.

Associate Professor Shawna Lee and members of the Michigan Child Welfare Inter-University Consortium wrote an op-ed in the Detroit Free Press,” We can’t forget Michigan's abused and neglected children during COVID-19.”

Master’s-level learners have a new innovative and flexible online MasterTrack Certificate program, offered on Coursera. The Social Work MasterTrack program is focused on research, policy and practice. Six courses address advocacy for diversity, social justice and change and emphasize practice with individuals, families, small groups and community organizations.

Students can earn a certificate or, upon successful completion of all courses, may apply for admission to the 45 credit Master of Social Work degree program, which has been offered on campus and will also be offered via a new online format, beginning spring 2021.

“Completing the MasterTrack program will allow students who want to pursue an MSW degree to waive an entire semester, which equates to significant cost savings,” said Barb Hiltz, lead faculty member for the MasterTrack and director of the MSW program.

Michigan Social Work faculty and staff have partnered with the University of Michigan Academic Innovation and Coursera to develop Social Work: Practice, Policy and Research MasterTrack Certificate.

Sara Stein, Joint PhD student social work and psychology discussed MI Frontline Support a program offering mental health care to essential workers during the Coronavirus pandemic. The program makes it easier for frontline workers to connect with licensed clinicians.