School of Social Work

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)

Professor Joseph Himle has been awarded the 2025 Distinguished Faculty Award. This highly esteemed peer award recognizes governing faculty members who demonstrate excellence in domains including longevity of service to the School, national recognition in scholarship and service, excellence in teaching and mentoring, outstanding service to the School and the university, and contribution to the professional community.

Himle is the Howard V. Brabson Collegiate Professor of Social Work and a professor of psychiatry at the U-M Medical School.

Field Faculty and Lecturer Zaynab Boussi has received the 2025 Distinguished Lecturer Award. This highly esteemed peer award recognizes excellence in teaching and mentoring of students and the very highest ideal of a School of Social Work Lecturer.

Clinical Associate Professor Daicia Price has been named 2025 Teacher of the Year by the Student Government.  This award is given in recognition of a faculty member who has demonstrated a commitment to improving DEI, made outstanding and positive contributions to the School’s climate, and whose skills, dedication, understanding and caring have positively impacted students. Price is also the director of the School’s Flourish office.

Professor Matthew Smith has received the 2025 DSO Faculty Award. Awarded by the Doctoral Student Organization, this award honors a faculty mentor who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to mentoring, developing and supporting doctoral students.

Smith is also the School's Associate Dean of Research.