Alex Wagaman, associate professor, working at federal level to end youth homelessness
Alex Wagaman, Ph.D., an associate professor in the School of Social Work, began a one-year contract in May as a special advisor with the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. To complement the council’s federal strategic plan, All In, which launched in December 2022, Wagaman will be leading the creation of a population-specific plan for youth homelessness. A key […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Naomi Reddish, Amanda Long presenting at national conference on systems transformation
The VCU School of Social Work’s Naomi Reddish, M.S.W. , and Amanda Long, M.S.W., are presenting at the 2024 National Title IV-E Roundtable (conference) in Burlington, Vermont. The National IV-E Roundtable for Child Welfare Training and Education is an annual gathering of representatives from public and tribal child welfare agencies and their university partners. Reddish […]
Research Weeks 2024 presentations: Social work student researchers and faculty mentors
Five VCU School of Social Work graduate students, two undergraduates and four faculty mentors are part of nine research presentations sponsored by the university as part of Research Weeks 2024. Graduate Research Symposium 9-11:30 a.m. ET Wednesday, April 24Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballrooms Assessing the Impact of Race, Ethnicity and English-Speaking Status on Traffic Stop Outcomes […]
Collaborating with student researchers, Hyojin Im leads an inclusive approach to reexamining refugee health and mental health
When Hyojin Im, Ph.D., convened a symposium at the Society for Social Work and Research 2024 conference on refugee health and mental health, the goal was to examine critical systems that serve these groups and to emphasize the role of Community-Based Participatory Research. “CBPR is a collaborative ethos that involves direct engagement with refugee communities […]
Kia J. Bentley burnishes legacy with new textbook edition, FSU alumni award
Even in retirement, Kia J. Bentley, Ph.D., is continuing to build on her 35-year career as a social work educator, one that culminated in her being named the VCU School of Social Work’s first Distinguished Career Professor by VCU’s Provost in 2022. This past fall, the fifth edition of Dr. Bentley’s textbook, The Social Worker […]
Circle of honor: Denise Burnette earns AGESW career achievement award
As a child of Southern Appalachia, Denise Burnette, Ph.D., VCU School of Social Work professor, was attuned to older adults and their life stories. “They were fonts of wisdom and equanimity, bold equanimity,” says Burnette, the school’s Samuel S. Wurtzel Endowed Chair in Social Work. “As an academic, my research and teaching, at home and […]