Statement on the death of Irvo Otieno
Dear School of Social Work community, As many of us learned Thursday about the death of Irvo Otieno, we experienced an all-too-familiar mix of anguish and trauma. We grieve for the Richmond community who lost a son, a friend, a neighbor; and we grieve for those who are unable to safely receive support for mental […]
The art of Black motherhood: Project tells stories from around the country
VCU School of Social Work Assistant Professor Nicole Corley, Ph.D., has always been drawn to storytelling, and a recent project introduced collage as a forum for those stories and to build connectivity across the country. Dr. Corley’s “And, Ain’t I a Mother?” explored the beauty, vulnerability and strength of Black mothers and the institution of Black […]
Social work alum Estreet pushing the profession forward as CEO of NASW
VCU School of Social Work alum Anthony Estreet (M.S.W.’07/SW), Ph.D., brings a higher education-informed perspective to his role as the chief executive officer of the National Association of Social Workers. He was announced as CEO in January and assumed the role in February. “I think we have to try to figure out how we engage […]
Appreciating value: Recognizing alumni for Social Work Month 2023
Social workers are foundational to our communities, serving in a variety of fields, workplaces and roles – and often overlooked when they carry a title other than “social worker.” We value them every day of the year for their varied skill sets, their leadership and mentorship. For their adherence to the profession’s values and principles […]
Fulbright awards fuel opportunities abroad for social work faculty Gattis, Burnette
One VCU School of Social Work faculty member is currently working abroad in South Africa, and a second will be headed to Mongolia this summer – both as repeat recipients of Fulbright awards. Maurice Gattis, Ph.D., an associate professor, was named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar for Social Sciences and Humanities and has been working in […]
Social work’s McGinnis finds outlet for ‘Rage’ in verse
The fatal shootings in Monterey Park, California, in January – less than two weeks after a 6-year-old Newport News elementary school student shot their teacher – felt personal to VCU School of Social Work Assistant Professor Hollee McGinnis, Ph.D. Dr. McGinnis was celebrating the Lunar New Year when she learned of the shootings in California, […]
Panel discussion ‘Where Do I Belong? Black Faces Navigating White Spaces’
The VCU School of Social Work’s Office of Student Success was pleased to present a panel discussion with the Brothas in Social Work Collective on Feb. 15: “Where Do I Belong? Black Faces Navigating White Spaces.” The session is available on YouTube. Please check it out to get the perspectives of panelists James Bell III, D.S.W.; Christopher Scott, M.S.W., CSWA; and VCU […]
Grand Challenges for Social Work selects Ph.D. student Kemmerer for 1 of 13 national awards
VCU School of Social Work Ph.D. student Aaron Kemmerer, M.S.W., got emotional when he learned he had won a highly competitive national award on a subject that is deeply personal. “When I got the news, I cried,” says Kemmerer, who was selected for one of 13 national Grand Challenges for Social Work doctoral dissertation/capstone project […]
Social work associate professor Gattis’ fashion line mixes business with creativity
A business partnership formed after a chance meeting with a couple in Ghana, and now Maurice Gattis, Ph.D., associate professor at the VCU School of Social Work, has a fashion line called Fort Mosé 1738 that carries a line of contemporary West African fashions. Fort Mosé 1738 refers to the first free Black community in […]
NASW statement on ASWB licensing exam
Dear VCU School of Social Work community, If you have not already reviewed it, I want to draw your attention to the NASW news release from Feb 3, 2023. This news release outlines NASW’s stance on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam and the Social Work Interstate Compact Legislation. I would also […]