‘Steadfast advocate’: Alex Wagaman wins one of VCU’s inaugural awards for community excellence
Praised as someone who “creates safe spaces where people can learn and grow” and as a “steadfast advocate with a gentle presence,” Alex Wagaman, Ph.D., was honored with one of VCU’s inaugural Excellence in Community Engagement Awards in May 2025. Wagaman, an associate professor in the School of Social Work, received her award in the […]
Office of Field Education names 2025 community award winners
The VCU School of Social Work is pleased to announce the six recipients of its 2025 Office of Field Education Community Partner Awards. The keynote speaker was Lenise Mazyck, M.S.W., LCSW, whose topic was “Grow Your Own Way: My Journey Through Burnout and Transformative Growth.” Outstanding New Field Instructor Award Alum Kim Close-Jensen (M.S.W.’97), social […]
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 […]
Quarterly faculty research and service news: November 2024
The VCU School of Social Work is proud to recognize the following accomplishments from our faculty this fall through November 2024. Funding Amy Adkins, Ph.D., assistant professor, College of Humanities & Sciences in conjunction with the School of Social Work-led Institute for Research on Behavioral and Emotional Health Dr. Adkins and IRBEH were awarded a […]
‘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 […]
‘I enjoy connecting with everyone’: Kimberly King earns Outstanding Staff Award
Kimberly King stepped into a leadership role for the 2023-2024 academic year as president of the Staff Council at the VCU School of Social Work. She’s stepped out with more experience and a sense of accomplishment – and as the recipient of the school’s annual Outstanding Staff Award. “Receiving the award made me feel special,” says […]
‘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 […]