School of Social Work

Lecturer Jewel Woods wrote about the connection between Black History Month and Black men's health in Psychology Today. “Strength isn’t about suppressing pain; it’s about having the courage to face it. To be the best version of ourselves—for ourselves, the people we love, and those who rely on us—we must develop the insight and skills to navigate life’s challenges.”

Assistant Professor Ashley Cureton’s academic journey and her work with refugee communities were featured in Diverse Issues in Higher Education. She shared this advice: ”Remember, it’s progress, not perfection. You win some and you lose some. No matter what happens, keep pushing towards greatness.” The article also gave a shout-out to Cureton’s career mentors including Professors Rogério Pinto and Trina Shanks.

MSW students Jacob Inosencio and Sabrina Lanker have been named 2025 Dow Sustainability Program Fellows by U-M’s Graham Sustainability Institute. Fellows are chosen through a competitive nomination and application process designed to attract and recognize top talent from across U-M’s academic disciplines. Each fellow will receive a $25,000 stipend along with supplementary project funding, professional development opportunities, and hands-on experience collaborating with external organizational partners.

"I am honored to represent the School of Social Work in the Dow Sustainability Program. By

Associate Professor Kathryn Maguire-Jack and Assistant Professor Sunggeun (Ethan) Park have been named Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) 2025 Fellows. SSWR Fellows are members who have served with distinction to advance the mission of the Society — to advance, disseminate and translate research that addresses issues of social work practice and policy and promotes a diverse, equitable and just society.

Professor Shawna Lee has received a Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Excellence in Research Award as a co-author on the paper, "Family stress processes underlying material hardship and parental detachment and warmth amongst racially diverse fathers and mothers with low income" in the Journal of Family Violence.

Professor Linda Chatters received the Distinguished Career Award from the Society for Social Work and Research at the SSWR Annual Conference in Seattle last week.

“I am very honored and humbled to receive this award and thankful for this recognition,” said Chatters. “I am especially indebted to my colleagues within the School of Social Work who have supported and encouraged me over the years. Together they comprise a community of thoughtful educators, researchers, and practitioners who are dedicated to ongoing critical inquiry and the pursuit of social justice.”

Dean Emerita Paula Allen-Meares, Professor Rogério Pinto and Assistant Director of Operations Jerome Rork spoke with Concentrate in a feature article about the School’s art collection, which includes works from Diane Arbus, Sam Gilliam, Keith Haring and Robert Rauschenberg.

Assistant Professor Ashley Cureton has been named a 2025 Emerging Scholar by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine. The 15 honorees were selected based on their teaching, research and service from a pool of several hundred nominees. They represent the future of academia and serve as inspirations to students and faculty members.

“I am beyond thankful to receive this incredible recognition. I feel extremely fortunate to have this job, so it is an honor to receive this acknowledgment along with 14 other outstanding scholars throughout the country,” said Cureton. “I am committed to

Professor Andrew Grogan-Kaylor’s research was cited in an article in MSN News on the detrimental effects physical punishment can have on children’s mental health. Grogan-Kaylor’s research found that kids who are spanked more often are more likely to defy their parents and experience an increase in anti-social behavior. They are also at an increased risk for developing aggression, mental health problems and cognitive difficulties.

Professor Daphne Watkins spoke with Forbes about how “Invisible Game,” a new video series of in-depth conversations with celebrated athletes, is helping to create new narratives about mental health, particularly among Black boys and men.

“Not only has this experience been healing for the athletes and celebrities themselves but we’re beginning to hear a lot of positive feedback from people who are watching the series who are feeling like, if this person I admire and look up to has had this experience and they’re brave enough to come forward and speak about it, maybe I can too,” said Watkins.