School of Social Work News

Professor Lorraine Gutiérrez was a featured panelist at the panel discussion, “Academic freedom and diversity: Viewpoints on institutional practices and tensions”, which was held at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration. The panel itself will be on CSPAN3 later this year.

Assistant Professor Mathieu Despard's article, "Effects of Tax-Time Savings Intervention on Use of Alternative Financial Services among Lower-Income Households" was published in the Journal of Consumer Affairs.

Min Hee Kim, Angie Perone (PhD students) and Professor Ruth Dunkle's article, "Caregiver stressors and depressive symptoms among older husbands and wives in the United States" was published in the Journal of Women and Aging.

Professor Ruth Dunkle was elected to be the next president of the Society for Social Work and Research at the 2017 national conference in New Orleans.

William Lopez (postdoctoral fellow) interviewed with Michigan Radio, explaining the impact of immigration raids on communities and law enforcement.

Analidis Ochoa-Bendaña (PhD student) and Brittney Williams (MSW student) were selected as the SSW members of the new U-M Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Student Advisory Board. These institutional Student Advisory  Boards are comprised of students who represent all 19 schools and colleges, a wide variety of social identities, and many academic and experiential learning involvements. They will provide ongoing student engagement and feedback on the implementation of the DEI Strategic Plan.

Associate Professor Andy Grogan-Kaylor's article, "Adulthood: A Longitudinal View of Youth Leaving Care" was published in Child Welfare.

Professor Mary Ruffolo was appointed Associate Dean for Educational Programs. Under Mary's leadership the Associate Dean for Educational Programs will include: 

• MSW program
• Joint PhD program
• Undergraduate Community Action and Social Change minor
• Continuing Education
• Global Programs

The expanded office will unite all academic programs under one administrative office. 

Mary brings an outstanding record of leadership and innovation to this new role. An expert in services for youth and adults managing serious psychiatric illnesses, she has brought innovation to this area of social work through several grant-funded innovations including integrated health for adults and children facing psychiatric illnesses. Mary brings a great record of curriculum leadership to the role, having served a previous term as Associate Dean for Educational Programs. She is experienced in social work accreditation. She also leads the innovative MOOC MicroMasters Initiative.