School of Social Welfare Dean's Update

In the past two months, the School of Social Welfare welcomed more than 200 new Master of Social Work students to our program during MSW Orientation events at the KU Edwards Campus.

During orientation, students have a chance to meet their future classmates and colleagues, learn from the MSW program director and academic staff, and hear from a panel of current MSW students.

They also receive an important message: in challenging times, the profession needs dedicated, compassionate, trained social workers to support individuals, communities and organizations. Please join me in welcoming these students who are building their skills in the Advanced Standing MSW program or beginning their social work education in the Traditional MSW program.

In this month’s newsletter, we share stories about a recent faculty award, graduating students, and upcoming continuing education events.

As always, you can share 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

Meredith Bagwell-Gray is a 2025-2026 recipient of the KU Keeler Family Intra-University Professorship. The professorship supports faculty to collaborate across academic disciplines.

Bagwell-Gray, an associate professor in the KU School of Social Welfare, plans to expand her research on trauma-informed workplaces with Beth Embry, assistant professor of management and entrepreneurship, and other faculty in the KU School of Business.

Bagwell-Gray and Embry are launching an original research project: a cross-case comparison study of trauma-informed workplace practices to support employee mental health and well-being across a variety of workplaces.

“This is a unique and exciting opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Embry and colleagues in the School of Business, bringing together my expertise in trauma healing with their strengths in organizational leadership and management,” Bagwell-Gray said. “I look forward to the new insights and innovations that will emerge from this interdisciplinary partnership.”

Taylor Jones’ inspiration to join KU's Master of Social Work (MSW) program came from her eagerness to help and connect with people.

In a practicum placement with Sporting Kansas City, Jones focused on the macro side of social work, looking into how the team's mental health staff made a difference for the organization. Jones graduated with her MSW in May.

KU Social Welfare faculty will share their expertise and research during two continuing education events in August.

Toward Trauma-Informed Schools

Thursday, Aug. 7, 12 to 2 p.m.
Virtual event
2.0 CEU
Speaker: Roslyn Christopher

The session will help position professionals to advance toward trauma-informed schools and to integrate trauma-informed principles into all practice domains.

Ethics, Technology, and AI in Social Work Practice: Navigating the Future Responsibly

Thursday, Aug. 14, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Virtual event
3.0 CEU, Ethics
Speaker: Christina Boyd

This session will help participants understand the use of technology, including AI, in social work practice.

Shaza Al-Kassim, a recent Bachelor of Social Work graduate, found interest in social work through her curiosity for people.

Al-Kassim grew up in Lawrence but initially started college at Emporia State University and Johnson County Community College. She was a pre-nursing major and worked at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City before realizing that wasn’t the path she wanted to take.

“I really wanted to talk to people and get to know their stories and where they're from and just everything about them,” Al-Kassim said. “That's when I switched to social work, and then that's when I went to KU.”

Interested in learning more about the online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program at the KU School of Social Welfare?

Join us for a virtual information session about the DSW program, curriculum, and application process on July 15. Applications for students to start the DSW program in fall 2026 will open on Oct. 1.

DSW Virtual Information Session
Tuesday, July 15, 12 to 1 p.m.
Virtual event

DSW Information Sessions
July 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 21
12-1 p.m.
Virtual

MSW Information Session
July 15
7-8 p.m.
Virtual

Toward Trauma-Informed Schools
Thursday, Aug. 7
12-2 p.m.
Virtual
CEU: 2

Ethics, Technology, and AI in Social Work Practice: Navigating the Future Responsibly
Thursday, Aug. 14
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Virtual
CEU: 3 Ethics

Research Impact Talk: Trauma-Informed Practice With Black Men, For Empowerment, and Healing
Wednesday, Sept. 10
12-1:30 p.m.
Virtual
CEU: 1.5

Bringing the Code to the Ballot: Social Work Practice in Elected Office
Wednesday, Sept. 24
12-2 p.m.
Virtual
CEU: 2 Ethics

Reclaiming Resilience: Centering Survivor Wisdom to Facilitate Thriving
Thursday, Oct. 16
12-2 p.m.
Virtual
CEU: 2

Jenise Comer, MSW 1974, received the inaugural Educational Excellence in Regulation Award from the Association of Social Work Boards at the 2025 ASWB Education Meeting in Portland, Oregon. The award recognizes exemplary contributions to the regulatory community by a faculty member (including emeriti), higher education administrator, institution, or organization. Read about Comer and the award.

Tricia Dillingham, BSW 2006, is a psychiatric nurse practitioner at CareArc in Emporia, Kansas. Read about Dillingham’s new role.

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.

Donna Lamar Bender, MSW 1967, passed away on May 6, 2025, at age 80. Read obituary.

Warren “Robin” Smith, MSW 1975, passed away on March 15, 2025, at age 80. Read obituary.

Kimberly Hoffmann Fuller, MSW 1980, passed away on March 14, 2025. Read obituary.

Alice R. Fitzcharles, MSW 1985, passed away on April 28, 2025, at age 92. Read obituary.

Cheryl Y. Zimmerman, MSW 1987, passed away on May 3, 2025, at age 78. Read obituary.

Emily Helene Perlstein, MSW 2012, passed away on May 25, 2025, at age 44. Read obituary.

The School of Social Welfare graduate recognition ceremonies celebrate our graduates' accomplishments and close out a chapter before they embark on careers in social work. They're also a showcase for many students' artistic talents, with personally decorated graduation caps. Check out an Instagram gallery of recent designs.

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