School of Social Welfare Dean's Update

Our programs, engagement efforts, and research projects have both celebrated accomplishments and navigated challenges this year. Some of the School of Social Welfare's highlights from 2025 include:

As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns at kusswdo@ku.edu. Your feedback and collaboration are highly valued.

I wish you all a joyful and restful winter season, and best wishes for the new year.

Take good care and Rock Chalk,

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

The first cohort of graduates from KU's online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program completed their capstone project defenses this summer and fall, taking the final step toward earning a practice doctorate in social work.

The students’ capstone projects covered a range of social work topics, including youth health, social work practicum education, mental health services, and healthcare access.

“My DSW training in leadership and implementation science has prepared me for the next chapter in my career in program development and implementation, as well as enhanced my implementation of clinical interventions with clients,” said DSW graduate Jerald Payne.

Congratulations to the DSW graduates: 

Ella Hinson is applying her macro social work skills with the Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness.

There, she manages a community outreach program called Find Help, part of the Kansas City-based nonprofit's Coordinated Entry System that connects people experiencing homelessness or housing instability to services.

Hinson, a 2025 KU MSW graduate, specialized in macro social work during her time in the Advanced Standing program at the KU Edwards Campus.

"I've always been a volunteer," Hinson said. "I've always been passionate about protesting for people's rights. Social work, I felt, was just an avenue to continue to do what I'm passionate about."

At the School of Social Welfare, Community Care Days provide a welcome break from academic pressures. The series provides students, faculty, and staff with opportunities to recharge and connect through scheduled events.

“The School of Social Welfare hosts a number of events to create opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to connect outside of the classroom,” said Vanessa Sanburn, associate director of practicum education and co-coordinator of the series.

Research in the KU School of Social Welfare drives discoveries that transform lives, with projects creating solutions to complex problems in areas including healthcare access, child welfare, and behavioral health.

Catch up on research news in the Fall 2025 Research & Service Newsletter:

Staff who support the School of Social Welfare through building management, administration, and financial services are the recipients of the 2025 Dean’s Recognition of Staff Excellence awards.

The awards recognize staff who demonstrate commitment, teamwork, innovation, and outstanding service.

In the 2024-2025 academic year, donor contributions made it possible for the School of Social Welfare to provide scholarships, meet emergency needs, and support students through graduation.

Future donations are essential to the School’s goal of increasing scholarship funds and reducing student loan debt for KU social work graduates.

To learn more about giving options, visit the School’s giving webpage or contact Amy Gray, KU Endowment development officer for the School of Social Welfare, at agray@kuendowment.org.

DSW Info Session
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 12-1 p.m.
Online

MSW Clinical Concentration Info Session
Wednesday, Jan. 21
7-8 p.m.
Online

Looking Back to Move Forward: Social Work, Labor, and Economic Justice
Thursday, Jan. 22
12-2 p.m.
Online
CEU: 2

Culturally Congruent Engagement and Assessment with Military Servicemembers and Their Families
Wednesday, Feb. 4
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Online
CEU: 3

Research Impact Talk: Combating Stigma, Honoring Strengths, Cultivating Resilience
Tuesday, March 10
12-1 p.m.
Online
CEU: 1

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

John H. Pierpont, Jr., Ph.D. 1999, passed away on Oct. 21, 2025, at age 75. Read obituary.

We've reached the end of the fall semester, and 2025 is nearly over.

Social Welfare shared great memories with students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community this year. We've learned from one another, watched each other graduate, lead the field in research and engage in important discussions. And, of course, we've enjoyed working together to do what social workers do best -- help people!

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.