School of Social Work News

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 Karen Staller received an award from the Doctoral Student Organization for her dedication to the education and mentorship of joint social work and social science doctoral students. 

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.

PhD Candidate Nkemka Aniywo successfully 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.

PhD Candidate Paige Safyer successfully defended her dissertation "M(other) Nurture: Exploring the Influence of Maternal Care on the Development of Infant Emotion Processing, Regulation, and the Emotional Brain." Her committee consisted of Richard Tolman, Brenda Volling (co-chairs), Katherine Rosenblum, Julie Ribaudo and Ioulia Kovelman. Safyer has accepted an assistant professor of social work position at Arizona State University.

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.