Message from Dr. Stevara Haley Clark: Unveiling an unstoppable fall semester ahead
Dear School of Social Work students, Welcome to the first day of classes (FDOC) for the fall semester! We are unbelievably excited to kick off this new academic year with you, whether you’re joining us on campus or virtually. After the summer break, we hope you are feeling undeniably refreshed and ready to dive into […]
After 28 years of ‘doing’ at VCU, Liz Cramer plans to stay busy as a human ‘being’
Elizabeth “Liz” Cramer, Ph.D., says her career in social work was always about who she wanted to be and not what she wanted to do. “I was fortunate that I’ve had a career as a social worker and social work educator that fostered who I’ve wanted to be in my life,” she says. “I realize […]
Gary Cuddeback leads interdisciplinary team securing $2 million SAMHSA grant
The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has awarded a five-year, $2 million grant to a Virginia Commonwealth University-led project that will provide a range of services, including drug treatment, employment, housing, case management and peer support, for people with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental illnesses who are involved in the criminal justice system. […]
Lakeside writing retreat helps build community among social work doctoral students
Third- and fourth-year social work doctoral students have a unique site for a now-annual writing retreat where they can focus on their qualifying papers and dissertations: a vacation home on Lake Anna that alum Keita Franklin (Ph.D.’10) has loaned to the Ph.D. Program for a fall weekend since 2022. Franklin, a specialist executive at Deloitte […]
Ph.D. student Samuel Ochinang’s finds spot at intersection of military service, social work
VCU School of Social Work Ph.D. student Samuel Ochinang grew up in a military family and has found his calling at the intersection of social work and serving as an active-duty Army major with the Medical Service Corps. “My journey in the Ph.D. program, along with my position, will improve my technical and managerial skills […]
Meet Jae Lange: ‘So proud to be fighting alongside my team and my community, fighting to end homelessness’
Jae Lange says they were a social worker long before a job or degree made it official. “I was born one, and I will die one,” says Jae, a first-generation student in the B.S.W. Program who also is a direct service specialist for a grant-funded project administered by the School of Social Work. Marsha and […]
Frank Baskind leaving strong social work legacy after 32 years at VCU
Frank Baskind, Ph.D., followed two legends as dean of the VCU School of Social Work in 1991. Three decades later, his legacy shows he was every bit the powerhouse that Elaine Z. Rothenberg and Grace E. Harris were. Baskind will retire this summer as professor and dean emeritus in the School of Social Work, a […]
Cultural Achievement Ceremonies are full of social work vibes in 2024
The VCU Office of Multicultural Student Affairs’ six Cultural Achievement Ceremonies each spring are celebrations of students’ hard work on their journey to graduation and an affirmation of their cultural identities. And this year, there were strong social work vibes with four of the events, as five School of Social Work M.S.W. students and one […]
Tales of 2024 social work graduates
VCU School of Social Work’s Class of 2024 featured a diverse mix of graduates and areas of interest. Here are highlights from a few of our newest alumni: Child welfare advocate Angela-Marie Rone earns a second social work degree Growing up in Yorktown, Virginia, she became interested in child welfare based on the experiences of friends who […]
Honoring student excellence for 2023-24
The VCU School of Social Work is pleased to recognize the academic and service excellence of more than 100 students for the 2023-2024 academic year. Honors include participation of students who were recognized for their pursuit as applicants for prestigious scholarships and fellowships through VCU’s National Scholarship Office; VCU and School of Social Work annual […]