Dean Lynn Videka hosted The Saint Louis Group, an organization of deans and directors representing schools of social work from R1 universities. The conference provided a forum to discuss the advancement of social work research and education. Attendees visited the Institute for Social Research, met with the U-M Health Sciences Dean’s Council, and had a conversation with U-M President Mark Schlissel about the relationship between research universities and society. There was also plenty of opportunity for networking and collegiality, including a group trip to see the Detroit Tigers win at Comerica Park.
Associate Professor Shawna Lee and PhD student Joyce Lee’s research “The effect of paternal cues in prenatal care settings on men’s involvement intentions” is cited in the Huffington Post. Most photos and brochures in a typical OB-GYN waiting room focus on mothers, but adding some subtle father-friendly visual cues could be a simple way to boost a dad’s parenting confidence, according to Shawna Lee and Joyce Lee's new study.
Lynn Videka, Dean and Carol T. Mowbray Collegiate Professor of Social Work, is the recipient of the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration’s Edith Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement. Videka received her AM in 1976 and her PhD in 1981. The award honors alumni who have made outstanding contributions, which have enhanced the social work profession overall. Her vision at the University of Michigan is one that encompasses robust research, innovative cross-disciplinary collaborations and rigorous engaged education for the next generation of practitioners.
Associate Professor Kristin Seefeldt is cited in the New York Times, "Why There Has Been a Surge in Single Mothers Who Work". “Even with increased wages and even with the changes that are being made around leave policy and the like, employees are still at the mercy of their employers,” said Seefeldt.
Congratulations to Andy Grogan-Kaylor, Luke Shaefer and Daphne Watkins who were promoted to full professor and to Katie Richards-Schuster who was promoted to associate professor with tenure at this month’s U-M Regents meeting.
Professor Brad Zebrack shared his insights into the unique challenges faced by young adult cancer survivors on the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society podcast. Zebrack discusses young adult survivors’ struggle for independence, challenges with body image and intimacy, issues navigating financial and career challenges, young adult survivors’ desire to feel “normal” amongst their peers, and how the healthcare team can help.
Associate Professor Daphne Watkins has been named Senior Scientific Advisor for the Campaign for Black Male Achievement, a national membership network that seeks to ensure the growth, sustainability and impact of leaders and organizations committed to improving the life outcomes of Black men and boys.
MSW Program Director Barb Hiltz was elected president and Michelle Mattison, MSW student representative of the NASW-Michigan Chapter.
Nkemka Aniywo successful defended her dissertation "'We gon' be alright': Racism, Media, and the Sociopolitical Development of Black Youth." Her committee consisted of Daphne Watkins, Stephanie Rowley (co-chairs), Katie Richards-Schuster and Monique Ward. She has accepted a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania.
Michigan Social Work, together with Poverty Solutions, the Center on Assets, Education, and Inclusion and The Annie E. Casey Foundation, hosted academics, researchers, financial analysts, elected officials and policy experts at a conference to discuss Children’s Savings Accounts (CSA). The conference was organized by Professor William Elliott. Dean Lynn Videka welcomed the participants and introduced keynote speaker, SSW alumnus, Michael Sherraden. Associate Professors Terri Friedline and Trina Shanks also spoke during the three-day event. Conference sessions included creating policy for financial inclusion, current research initiatives to evaluate CSA outcomes, and an overview of how to start and fund a CSA.
University of Michigan
School of Social Work
1080 South University Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106