School of Social Work News

PhD Candidate Peter Felsman has successfully defended his dissertation entitled "Improvisational Theater for Psychological Health." His committee consisted of Joseph Himle, Colleen Seifert (co-chairs), Richard Tolman and Ethan Kross. He has accepted a postdoctoral associate position at Stony Brook University. The position is a joint appointment at the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science and the Social Competence and Treatment Lab.

Tony Alvarez, LEO Lecturer II, has made an enormously strong impact at Michigan Social Work since he first served as an adjunct lecturer in 1979. Since then, he has been an active and generous member of our community, served in various roles as a director and coordinator, and is regularly chosen by students to serve in at SSW graduation exercises. As an educator, has made singular and significant contributions to the SSW curriculum, particularly through his course on Adventure/Experiential-Based Social Work Practice. He is highly valued and praised by his students; the passion he brings to teaching transcends the classroom, and he regularly goes out of his way to assist his students in their professional and personal growth. He has been awarded multiple honors by the Association for Experiential Education as well as by U-M. In 2001, he was received the School’s “Excellent Teacher” award.

Congratulations to Associate Professor Karen Staller who was recognized with the School of Social Work 2019 Distinguished Faculty Award. The Distinguished Faculty Award honors a current governing faculty member at the School of Social Work who has achieved national recognition in scholarship, demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring, provided outstanding service to the School and the University, and contributed significantly to the professional community.

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.