November 2024 Dean's Update Newsletter

As dean of the School of Social Welfare, I am honored to work with teachers, researchers and students who dedicate their time to transforming lives.

This month, we celebrated several members of our community who have received university honors for their work. I hope you will read more about their recognition below, and join me in congratulating these faculty and students:

Many of our faculty and staff shared their important research at conferences this fall, including the CSWE Annual Program Meeting, the Governor’s Conference for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, and the Kansas Rural Health Association Annual Conference. You can read more about recent presentations on our website.

As always, please reach out with questions or concerns at any time at kusswdo@ku.edu. Your feedback and collaboration are extremely important to us.

Take good care and Rock Chalk,

Michelle Carney, PhD, MSSA
Dean and Professor
KU School of Social Welfare

The School of Social Welfare had many faculty and research presentations showcased during the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) conference in October. 

They presented their work on topics including telehealth, child welfare, racial justice, macro social work and more. Thanks to everyone who connected with us in Kansas City!

Manuel Turk (he/him) recognizes strength when he sees it. Turk, a non-traditional student and senior in the Bachelor of Social Work program, is also a veteran. 

He sees the common ground between veterans and social workers, and that inspired him to get a social work education after 12 years of military service. 

“I see social workers and veterans have some similarities, particularly in being resilient,” Turk said. “There are a lot of things we have to deal with, and we don’t always have all the resources, so we do the best that we can with what we have available to us.”

The 2024 KU "I Am First Too" poster features three representatives from the School of Social Welfare:

"I Am First Too" celebrates the success of first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni at the University of Kansas. The annual poster celebrates KU community members who have "excelled as role models, trailblazers and advocates for first-generation student success."

Hinson, Ramirez and Young joined a group of 2024 honorees for a poster unveiling on Nov. 4, which was National First Generation Day. View photos from the event.

Melinda Lewis, professor of practice at the KU School of Social Welfare, is the 2024 recipient of the International Affairs Advisory Board International Teaching Award.

The award recognizes recognizes KU faculty members who have provided outstanding leadership in international education through their teaching, advocacy and mentorship. Lewis leads International Social Work: A Costa Rican Perspective, a summer study abroad experience for students studying social services.

On Nov. 22, Lewis presented "Here, There and Everywhere: Teaching and Learning Through Relationships, Across Borders" as part of International Education Week at KU.

MSW Virtual Info Session
Tuesday, Jan. 14. 7-8 p.m. CT
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Grand Challenges: Focus on 4s - Early Childhood Mental Health
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, 12-1:30 p.m. CT
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CEU: 1.5

Jacob McKee, MSW 2013, is national deputy director of improvement for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. McKee has worked with the VA for over 12 years.

Whether you just received a promotion, started a new position or project, or moved across the country, the School of Social Welfare wants to keep updated on your life adventures. Update your contact information and share your alumni news.

Kathleen K. Jones, BSW 1971, passed away on Oct. 1, 2024, at age 74. Read obituary.

Daphne A. Johnston, MSW 2003, passed away on Nov. 4, 2024, at age 73. Read obituary.

The KU School of Social Welfare hosted an alumni reception at the National WWI Museum and Memorial in October. Alumni and friends gathered to catch up over refreshments after a successful weekend at the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Annual Program Meeting in Kansas City. Thanks to all who joined us!

Photos by Pancho Metz/Media By Pancho

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