Social Work, Policy and Politics: Transformative policymaking
The VCU School of Social Work held its annual event, Social Work, Policy and Politics, on March 27, 2025, featuring an all-alumni panel and moderator to break down how macro, mezzo and micro social work can intertwine to promote imagination that shapes local policies and promotes community healing. This year’s subject was Futuring for Transformative […]
‘Massey saved my life’: Meet alum – and cancer survivor – Melissa Weaver
VCU School of Social Work alum Melissa Weaver (B.S.W.’99; M.S.W.’06) is supporting the institution that helped save her life. The Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center provided treatment when Weaver was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. She tells Richmond TV station WTVR that she underwent a double mastectomy, 16 chemotherapy treatments and 35 radiation sessions. “The […]
Focusing on public mental health, Rosemary and David Farmer fund a new M.S.W. scholarship
With a career devoted to clinical social work and social work education, it’s no surprise Rosemary Farmer’s philanthropy would focus on helping students follow in her footsteps and pursue internships and employment in the public sector. Along with her husband, they have established the Drs. Rosemary L. and David J. Farmer Public Mental Health Scholarship […]
Social work faculty, students, alumni presenting at SSWR 2025
More than 50 VCU School of Social Work faculty, students and alumni have had presentations accepted or are serving in other roles with sessions such as special interest groups, roundtables or symposia at the Society for Social Work and Research 2025 conference in Seattle, Jan. 15-19, 2025. In total there are 69 presentations or sessions involving […]
‘Passion for macro social work’: Meet two-time alum Jackie B. Robinson Brock
Jackie B. Robinson Brock’s grounding in both micro and macro social work practice – and a meaningful M.S.W. field placement with VCU’s Partnership for People with Disabilities – have led to an impactful career and ever-growing responsibilities. Brock, a two-time graduate of the VCU School of Social Work (B.S.W.’10; M.S.W.’12) who also holds a certificate […]
‘Wild stories, red lipstick and high heels’: Remembering Florence “Flossie” Segal
Florence Z. “Flossie” Segal was a fixture at the VCU School of Social Work from 1968 to 1990, bringing color and light everywhere she went – often in her bright yellow Volkswagen Beetle convertible. She loved jazz and fresh flowers from her garden. She and her husband, Jake, hosted pool parties, holiday celebrations and even wedding receptions […]
Gary Cuddeback named VCU School of Social Work dean
Gary S. Cuddeback, Ph.D., has been named dean of Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Social Work, effective Oct. 28, 2024. Cuddeback, who has served as interim dean since July 2023, was named following a national search. “I’m honored by this appointment as I believe there has never been a better time to be part of VCU’s School […]
Katelynn Jarrells, Viola Vaughan-Eden win prestigious alumni honors
VCU School of Social Work alumni Katelynn Jarrells (B.S.W.’16, M.S.W’17) and Viola Vaughan-Eden (Ph.D.’03) have earned prestigious honors this fall from VCU’s Office of Alumni Relations. Jarrells, the program head and associate professor of human services and mental health at Brightpoint Community College, in September was named one of VCU’s 10 Under 10 award honorees […]
2024 Council on Social Work Education conference presentations
As the Council on Social Work Education‘s 70th Annual Program Meeting opens in Kansas City on Oct. 24, 2024, the VCU School of Social Work is proud to recognize our faculty, student scholars and social work alumni who are presenting or participating. CSWE Program Director Academy A special congratulations to two of our program directors who […]
Office of Field Education names 2024 community award winners
The VCU School of Social Work is pleased to announce the six recipients of its 2024 Office of Field Education Community Partner Awards. Outstanding New Field Instructor Award Alum Chaniqua Jones (M.S.W.’19), Richmond Behavioral Health Criteria: A field instructor new to the role (within one to two years) this academic year who should be recognized for […]