School of Social Work News

Along with the Program for Research on Black Americans  – part of the Institute for Social Research – and the Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research, the School of Social Work hosted a three-day summer mentoring workshop.  Created by Professor Robert Taylor, the workshop provides career advice and guidance to approximately 40 social work doctoral students whose research involves African American and Latinx populations. Conference attendees took advantage of concurrent programming at U-M by holding joint sessions with the 25th Annual National Black Graduate Conference in Psychology and the Summer Meeting of The St. Louis Group.

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.