School of Social Work

On June 12, 2025, the Regents of the University of Michigan named Professor Connie Sung the inaugural Annmarie Hawkins Research Professor in Disability Justice. This esteemed position is made possible by a generous gift from Neil and Annmarie Hawkins to support research that advances the practice-based understanding of how to effectively support people with disabilities in living, working, and thriving in community settings. This term-of-years research professorship will enable Sung to dedicate time and resources to transformative research projects focused on community-based interventions that

Lecturer Sean de Four’s op-ed “How Philanthropy Can Help Nonprofits Meet the Moment,” was published in Bridge Michigan.  

“These are difficult times for nonprofit organizations, the foundations that support them and the broader philanthropic community. But the outpouring of concern and willingness to help is inspiring. We should harness this opportunity to not only respond to urgent needs that arise, but to also address some of the longstanding issues in our sector.”

Associate Dean Robert Ortega has been appointed as a member of the Council on Social Work Education Board of Accreditation. Ortega will start his three-year term on July 1. The Board of Accreditation maintains and advocates for quality in social work education by overseeing the accreditation/candidacy process for more than 960 social work programs in the United States and its territories.

Brittani Parham, Joint Doctoral Program in Social Work and Psychology, has successfully defended her dissertation entitled "Compounded Disadvantage: Exploring the Intersection of Race, Sex, and Child Welfare in Juvenile Justice." Her committee included Matthew Smith (co-chair), Joseph Ryan and Camille Quinn. Parham is currently exploring job market opportunities in social work or juvenile justice policy.

So’Phelia Morrow, Joint Doctoral Program in Social Work and Sociology, has successfully defended her dissertation entitled has successfully defended "Killing Us Softly: Intimate Partner Violence and The Forced Martyrdom of Black Women."  Her committee included Terri Friedline (co-chair) and Rich Tolman. Morrow has accepted an assistant professor of social work position at Wayne State University.

Professor Todd Herrenkohl, Associate Professor Katie Maguire-Jack and Assistant Professor Rebeccah Sokol published an article in The Conversation on how the current proposed cuts to the 2026 federal budget would slash vital services to an array of programs that support low-income families and keep children fed, housed and safe.  

“Our research has shown that increasing access to programs that support low-income families decreases child abuse and neglect while improving parents’ well-being,” they wrote. “We believe these programs are worth investing in because children’s lives are at stake

Clinical Assistant Professor Ayesha Ghazi Edwin spoke with MLive about the effects federal cuts will have on Food Gatherers, the lead agency for hunger relief in Washtenaw County. 

“Our county also happens to be experiencing one of the fastest rising rates of homelessness in our history with specific effects to older adults,” she said. “These challenges weren’t created overnight and they won’t be solved by one action, but they do call us to act locally when federal support falls short.”

Last month, Professor Katie Edwards was featured on CNN’s “One Thing” to discuss the effects of federal cuts to health research. Edwards — whose research focuses on preventing and responding to sexual violence among LGBTQ+ and highly vulnerable populations — has had six NIH grants cancelled this year. During the conversation, she specifically detailed the gut-wrenching process of shutting down a clinical study.

“It's been, quite frankly, it's been really chaotic. I mean, I think we've been doing our best to manage this in the most ethical way, putting participant safety as our top priority

Congratulations to the following faculty members whose promotions were approved by the U-M Board of Regents earlier this month. Sunggeun (Ethan) Park, Rebeccah Sokol and Katie Schultz were promoted to associate professor with tenure. Katie Maguire-Jack was promoted to professor. In addition, Rebeccah Sokol was also promoted to associate professor of Health Behavior & Health Equity at the School of Public Health.  These promotions go into effect on September 1, 2025.

Congratulations, also, to those who have received promotions or taken on new roles within our faculty. Christina Dadswell is now

This award honors staff who go above and beyond in their roles—championing others, contributing creative and collaborative solutions, and embodying the values that make our School stronger. Named in memory of our beloved colleague Colleen Karim, the award celebrates those who lead with excellence, care and kindness.

• Amber Farmer, Research Administrator Senior (0–5 years of service)
• Erin Zimmer, Director of MSW Student Services (5+ years of service)
• Joseph Galura, CASC Undergraduate Minor Advisor (5+ years of service)