School of Social Welfare Dean's Update |
|
|
When KU School of Social Welfare students cross the Lied Center stage each May, they are not just taking some of the final steps toward a KU degree in social work. They are stepping into a profession with deep purpose and responsibility.
On May 16, we celebrated 250 graduates and degree candidates from our undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs. These students have built connections with their classmates, advanced social work research, and completed training that they will use to serve communities across Kansas and beyond. They leave KU prepared to do work that is challenging, rewarding and needed.
This group included:
|
-
BSW graduates from the KU Lawrence and Edwards campuses, who collectively completed 22,934 hours of practicum service this year.
- MSW graduates who are prepared to engage individuals with empathy and advocate for meaningful change.
- Three PhD scholars who are on track to emerge as researchers, educators and thought leaders.
-
Nine Doctor of Social Work students who will complete their capstone projects this summer, becoming the first KU DSW graduating class.
|
|
|
Michelle Carney, PhD, MSSA
Dean and Professor
KU School of Social Welfare
|
|
|
Mother-daughter duo graduate together with Master of Social Work degrees |
When Jerry McKay walked across the stage on May 16 to receive her Master of Social Work degree, she knew the moment would be emotional. But what makes it even more extraordinary is who walked the stage just before her - her youngest daughter, Jacquelyn McKay, earning the same degree.
“I didn't cry then, but I'm feeling it coming now,” Jerry said. “She's my last kid, and now we’re graduating together. We didn’t expect this. It’s all brand new, and a lot of emotions are starting to come up. I’m really starting to reflect.”
The moment wasn’t planned, but it couldn’t have been more perfectly timed. The stars simply aligned.
|
|
|
Graduating student spotlights |
|
|
KU announces promotion and tenure for two Social Welfare faculty |
Two School of Social Welfare professors have earned promotions for the upcoming academic year.
Dr. Briana McGeough was promoted to associate professor with tenure. McGeough, who joined the School of Social Welfare in 2018, teaches clinical practice courses in the MSW program and is director of the school's Center for LGBTQ+ Research and Advocacy.
Dr. Michael Riquino was promoted to associate professor with tenure. Riquino, who joined the School in 2018, teaches clinical practice and mental health courses in the MSW program.
|
|
|
The Margo Awards honoring excellence in practicum education are named for Margaret Schutz Gordon, Professor Emeritus, who served with distinction as Professor and Director of Practicum Education at the KU School of Social Welfare from 1970 to 1983.
Congratulations to this year’s winners:
Exceptional Performance in BSW Practicum
Simranpreet Kandola, Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA)
Exceptional Performance in MSW Foundation Practicum
Miguel Rivera Jr., Lawrence Community Shelter
Exceptional Performance in MSW Clinical Practicum
Vera Petrovic, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center
Excellence in BSW Practicum Instruction
Vicki Peoples, Seaman Public Schools – Logan Elementary
Excellence in Clinical Practicum Instruction
April Lemon, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas –
Pittsburg Clinic
|
|
|
Conference presentation highlights DSW focus on using research in social work practice |
A presentation at a national conference highlighted the KU DSW program’s focus on leadership and translating research into practice.
DSW Program Director Edward Scanlon was a featured presenter in the panel session, “DSW Programs in Action: Specializations Driving Impact in Social Work,” during the 2025 annual Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE) conference.
“Many of the programs have some focus on pedagogy or leadership, just as we do,” Scanlon said. “But we were somewhat unique in that we simultaneously focus on teaching our students how to take scientific evidence from research on social work and turn that into practice approaches in their agencies and communities.”
|
|
|
Recognition ceremony student speakers |
Student speakers during the graduate recognition ceremonies are chosen by their fellow graduates. Congratulations to this year's speakers!
|
- Simranpreet Singh Kandola, BSW student speaker, Edwards Campus
- Jonathon A. Poffenbarger, BSW student speaker, Lawrence campus
- Jaclyn Wilburn, MSW student speaker
|
|
|
Megan Bridges, MSW 2024, is director of crisis services at HeadQuarters Kansas.
Taylor Jones, MSW 2025, was selected as a University of Kansas Employee of the Month in April 2025 for her work as a prevention educator with KU’s Sexual Assault and Prevention Education Center.
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.
|
Photos: Graduate Recognition Ceremonies 2025 |
|
|
On May 16, the School of Social Welfare celebrated students graduating from the BSW, MSW, DSW and Ph.D. programs at the Lied Center in Lawrence. There were plenty of smiles, memories and proud faculty, staff and families to share this moment of accomplishment. There were also heavy winds, making for charming photos by Earl Richardson.
Thank you to everyone who made this a special day for the School of Social Welfare!
|
|
|
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.
The University of Kansas is a public institution governed by the Kansas Board of Regents.
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™ Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
| 1535 West 15th St. Green Hall, 3rd Floor | Lawrence, KS 66045 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
|
| |
|
|
