July 2024 Dean's Update Newsletter

This month, we highlight stories about members of our KU School of Social Welfare community who are working to ensure a strong future for our School and the places we serve.

David Ross, who earned his bachelor’s degree in social work from KU in 1970, recently confirmed a planned gift that would be the largest single gift in the School’s history. David and his wife, Kelli Carroll, have pledged to make social work education more accessible to future students. Their generosity will transform lives. I hope you enjoy reading David’s story about how a KU social work education expanded his world.

We also feature Christina Boyd, associate professor of practice, who has an extensive record of service to the state of Kansas. With particular focus on rural communities, Christina shares her expertise in behavioral health with numerous committees, boards and working groups across the state.

Additionally, the School is excited to welcome Dr. Roslyn Christopher as a new associate professor of practice, and to share recent faculty research that connects social work practice with climate science and healthcare.   

July is typically a quieter time at the School, but our work to educate students, engage with communities and advance social work knowledge keeps moving.

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

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

For David Ross and his wife Kelli Carroll, giving to the KU School of Social Welfare is "a message that we support you," Ross said.

Ross, BSW 1970, recently confirmed a planned gift that will be the largest in KU School of Social Welfare history. The gift, estimated to be over $1 million, will primarily provide scholarships for future KU social work students.

There’s no perfect line to defeat the stigma surrounding behavioral health, even for Christina Boyd. Her 23 years as a social worker and 28 years in behavioral health in rural areas of Kansas have yet to deliver a clear answer to defeating the negative connotations of health issues like substance use disorders.

But she does have a story she leans on.

Dr. Roslyn Christopher is a student-centered professor and joins the KU School of Social Welfare as an associate professor of practice this fall.

Christopher brings lecture experience on various topics of social work and social work practice, including work as an adjunct lecturer and practicum instructor at KU since 2011. She received her Ed.D. in educational leadership at Baker University and her Master of Social Work from KU.  

Locations around the globe are experiencing climate disasters on a regular basis. But some of the most marginalized populations experience disasters so often it has come to be normalized.

A new study Dr. Joonmo Kang, assistant professor in the KU School of Social Welfare, found residents of one Seoul, South Korea, neighborhood have grown so accustomed to living through extreme climate events they have developed a “disaster subculture” that challenges both views of reality and how social agencies can help.

Dr. Jason Matejkowski, professor of social welfare, shared research at the 49th Annual National Institute on Social Work and Human Services in Rural Areas.

The poster presentation is titled "Increasing Access in Behavioral Health through Student Training in Telehealth & Technology" and was produced by Matejkowski and Michelle Levy, co-directors of the Integrated Health Scholars Program at KU.

The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare is hiring lecturers to teach social work classes.

Lecturers teach in the BSW and/or MSW program. Class availability changes by semester and depends on campus and program level.

Learn more about teaching opportunities with the School of Social Welfare.

Trauma-Informed Care with Underserved Rural Populations
Friday, Aug. 2, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
3011 N. Michigan St., Pittsburg, KS 66762
Free
CEU: 2.5 

MSW Virtual Info Sessions
Wednesday, Aug. 14, 12-1 p.m. CT
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 7-8 p.m. CT
Online
Covering the MSW program and application process

BSW Virtual Info Sessions
Thursday, Aug. 15, 4-5 p.m. CT - BSW Program Overview
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 4-5 p.m. CT - Careers in Social Work
Online
Covering the BSW program and majoring in social work

DSW Virtual Info Sessions
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 12-1 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 8, 12-1 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 14, 6-7 p.m.
Online
Covering the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program and application process

CCEC: Self-care Strategies in Election Season
Thursday, September 19, 12-1:30 p.m. CT
Zoom
Free
CEU: 1.5 ethics

Survivor Link: Partnering with Agencies to Build Health System Capacity to Respond to Domestic Violence
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 12-1:30 p.m. CT
Zoom
Free

Gender-Affirming Care: Research-Informed Strategies for Improving the Mental Health of Transgender Youth
Wednesday, November 13, 12-2 p.m. CT
Zoom
Free
CEU: 2 clinical diagnosis/treatment

Jana Frye, MSW 1999, was appointed to the Missouri State Committee for Social Workers.

Tracie Haselhorst, MSW 2018, is clinical director at The Center for Counseling & Consultation in Great Bend, Kansas. Read article. 

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.

Margaret Ann Breeden Presley, MSW 1976, passed away on May 9, 2024, at age 77. Read obituary.

Donna Marie Bacic, BSW 1995, MSW 1996, passed away on July 24, 2024, at age 80. Read obituary.

Martha DeMond, MSW 1999, passed away on March 26, 2024, at age 76. Read obituary.

Robin Nelson, a former School of Social Welfare staff member who led professional continuing education programs, passed away on June 29, 2024, at age 60. Read obituary.

The School of Social Welfare sent students to Costa Rica for a study abroad trip this summer. Professor of Practice Melinda Lewis captured moments from the trip, including exploring the natural wonders of Costa Rica, attending lectures, site visits to social service agencies, and more. 

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