School of Social Work News

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.

Sean Smith’s (CASC student) article, “Being a Low-Income Black Student at a Predominantly White Institution” was published in The Huffington Post.

Associate Professor Shawna Lee and Professor Brad Zebrack were inducted as members of the 2017 Class of Fellows of the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR). The SSWR Fellows were established by the Society to honor and to recognize current SSWR members for their individual accomplishments, leadership and contribution to SSWR as a scientific society.

Abigail Williams-Butler successfully defended her dissertation "The Role of Relational Permanence in Positive Outcomes among African American Adolescents in Foster Care". She has accepted a postdoctoral fellowship followed by an assistant professorship at Rutgers University School of Social Work. Her committee consisted of Joseph Ryan, Vonnie McLoyd (co-chairs) John Schulenberg, Desmond Patton and Pamela Davis-Kean.