Fall 2013 Newsletter
Transcription
Fall 2013 Newsletter
Howard University School of Social Work News for Alumni & Friends The Urgency of Now: Social Work and Social Justice NASW, Howard Students, Faculty and Alumni gather at the Lincoln Memorial to participate in the Reenactment of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom th 50 Anniversary March on Washington August 24, 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work IN THIS ISSUE Message from the Dean Reflections from Dr. Snell Page 3 Page 4 Interesting Facts Page 30 Meet Our 2013 Graduates…. Page 30 HUSSWAA President *HUSSWAA Updates *The Deltas 100 years of Service *Class of 1963 *Alumni Giving *Featured Alumni *Spotlight on Alumni *In Memoriam * In Tribute Page 6 Page 6 Page 7 Page 9 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 17 Page 18 Our Newest Ph.D. Graduates Page 31 Staff News Page 32 Alumni Focus Page 33 Alumni Information Page Page 34 Endowed Scholarship Funds Page 35 Campus Safety First Program Page 20 Keeping up with the Professional Trends Page 21 CBC Taskforce on Immigration Forum Page 23 Publication of Special Issue on Parenting Page 24 Faculty Leadership Page 25 Reaching New Heights of Excellence Page 26 Kellogg Foundation Grant Page 28 2013 Cosby Fellow Recipient Cosby Mentors & Fellows Page 29 2013 Fall Orientation Diversity Bus Tour MLK Monument Newsletter Editorial Team Dr. Sandra Edmonds Crewe, Interim Dean Dr. Cynthia Harris, Special Assistant for Academic and Student Advancement Ms. Valencia Winston, Administrative Assistant, Office for Academic and Student Advancement [email protected] 2 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Message from the Dean: The Howard Experience In May 2013, at the annual alumni luncheon, I joined many of you in celebrating the achievements of the Class of 1963. What an honor it was for me to meet members of that class and hear their reflections on the value of their Howard University School of Social Work graduate degree. What was most evident is their continued passion for the profession and their commitment to ensuring that the ideals of Dr. Inabel Lindsay, our founding dean, continue to be realized in future HUSSW graduates. I thank the class of 1963 and other alumni supporters for your loyalty in giving back to our alma mater. I am equally enthusiastic about the latest generation of graduates—the Class of 2013! Like their predecessors, these graduates make known their passion and desire Sandra Edmonds Crewe to make a difference in the communities they serve. We are one month into the new Interim Dean academic year. Already, the class of 2014 is gearing up for a banner year and the new students are taking their place as the next generation of Howard prepared social workers. This historic year, I have the special honor of leading the School of Social Work as the nation commemorates milestones in civil rights. We started the year with numerous ceremonies paying tribute to the 50 th anniversary of the 1963 historic March on Washington. I was delighted to join our students, faculty, alumni, and friends at the March on Saturday, August 24th, 2013. I am also honored to be featured in the Fall 2013 Howard Magazine as your leader. (www.howard.edu/howardmag) Dr. Cudore L. Snell retired his deanship and will return to the faculty after taking a year of sabbatical leave beginning July 1, 2013. I thank Dr. Snell for his ten years of service leading the School. To acknowledge his service, the School will host a reception on October 11th at 6:00 pm at the Blackburn Center. I would also like to acknowledge the leadership of Dr. Fariyal Ross-Sheriff. After 18 years of serving as director of the DSW and Ph.D. program, she has stepped down and has returned to her senior faculty role. I know that our DSW/PHD graduates join me in thanking Dr. Ross-Sheriff. Under her leadership we achieved top ranking within the university. Dr. Tricia Bent-Goodley has assumed the helm of leadership for our Ph.D. program. This past academic year, we prided ourselves on a number of notable accomplishments including recording the 150th graduate attaining a doctoral degree in social work. With the seven graduates this year, we have a total of 154 graduates in the DSW/PHD programs. Another significant goal realized was the completion of a special issue journal, Parenting in the Twenty-First Century, an important document produced and published by Dr. Ruby Gourdine, guest editor, Direct Practice Sequence and others. Faculty publications continued to reach record highs. Among the plans we have this year are the development of an online MSW degree, a joint MSW/MDIV degree, and the 5th year of the International Service Learning in Cape Town, South Africa. Faculty is leading a yearlong series titled the “Urgency of Now- Social Work and Social Justice.” This series will examine contemporary poverty and a social work response. Congressman Ronald Dellums was the featured speaker on September 30, 2013 for the first lecture in this series. A summary of his remarks will be posted on our website. This newsletter provides you with a review of our work and accomplishments. I hope that you will enjoy the updates and identify ways that you can assist us in our mission to have a graduate program that meets the 2020 need for a 25 percent increase in social work practitioners. Finally, I thank each of you for the support that you provide the School and our students. Your congratulatory letters, cards, emails, remarks, and telephone calls regarding my appointment as interim dean are humbly received and greatly appreciated. Let us look forward to an exciting year. Please continue your support of your alma mater to ensure that our students have needed resources. I know that together we will continue to strengthen diverse families and communities and advocate for policies needed to eradicate racial, gender and other socio-economic disparities. You represent the Howard experience that is unique because of your rich legacy and continuing investment in the future of America and the global community. 3 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work After 10 years of serving a Dean of the school, Dr. Cudore L. Snell decided to step down from the deanship to pursue his research agenda and return to teaching. The following article comes from an interview with Dr. Cynthia Harris on his reflections about his career and view point on social work and social work education. Reflections from Dr. Cudore L. Snell What or who influenced you to work in the social work field? There were a number of factors including growing up under apartheid South Africa. Living in a small rural community and seeing the oppression of a people contributed to my worldview that change is possible. Tell me about your social work education. My social work education started in Cape Town, South Africa and I graduated as the first Coloured male qualified as a psychiatric social worker from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor of Social Science Honors in Psychiatric Social Work in 1975. Under apartheid laws, special permission had to be obtained from the government to attend a predominantly white institution. After working for a while as a psychiatric social worker, I was awarded a Rotary Overseas Scholarship which enabled me to pursue my MSW and I was accepted at both the Columbia University and University of Chicago social work programs but ultimately chose to attend the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill MSW program. After graduating, I enrolled as a Doctoral student in Social Work at Howard University School of Social Work in 1983 after having started my studies at Case Western Reserve. At Howard, I graduated with a 4.0 GPA and received an award from the Society for the Scientific Study of Sex for the best dissertation research in 1988 and received a full United Nations Scholarship for the duration of my studies. You mentioned that you had worked as a psychiatric social worker. Please tell us about some of your social work employment. After receiving my BSW, my early years as a social worker were spent in urban and rural settings where I provided direct services to the Coloured population during the years of oppression. Resources were limited and gaining access to services for clients was difficult. I still have in my possession a letter which a client wrote to me after I had relocated to the United States to thank me for interventions he received from me which led to his sobriety. My alma mater, the University of the Western Cape, started what was then called the Institute for Counseling, the first of its kind to be attached to a university, and I became the first psychiatric social worker/lecturer to be appointed there. During my doctoral student years, I volunteered with Exodus, a mobile van which did rounds in the city to areas where street and homeless youth congregated. This volunteer experience allowed me to conduct my pilot study for my dissertation. So, your first foray into academia began in South Africa. Could you tell us about your academic career to date? For the past 25 years, I have engaged in research, teaching, service, and professional development at the Howard University School of Social Work. I have served the school in various administrative and instructional capacities, moving from assistant professor to associate professor, Chair of the Human Behavior and the Social Environment sequence and Associate Dean. I was appointed by President H. Swygert as Dean in the School effective February 7, 2006 after serving as Interim Dean from 2003 to the time of my permanent appointment. This was the first such 4 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Continued from page 4 appointment of an alumnus as Dean in the School. I was on sabbatical leave in South Africa from 1999 to 2000 and conducted research on fetal alcohol syndrome and street youth. After 10 years a Dean, I am sure that you have seen many changes in the social work profession. What are some of the most significant changes you have noticed? With the graying of America, there has been more emphasis on gerontology. This presents an opportunity for social work as a profession and for employment opportunities for our students. Accompanying this trend has been the emphasis on genetics, bioscience, and neuroscience and psychopharmacology knowledge which is required for social work practitioners today. We are now much more connected on a global basis so that our focus has expanded beyond the local and national communities. Since 911, there are new opportunities for social workers to work in homeland security, immigration reform, and to be at the debate table on these issues. The University has placed emphasis on the need for more interdisciplinary collaboration across campus. The School and faculty have become much more involved in working with other disciplines, one of social work’s greatest assets. What are some of the greatest accomplishments experienced by the School during your tenure? One of our greatest accomplishments has been our International Service Learning project which provides an opportunity for students and faculty to travel to Cape Town, South Africa to learn about social service agencies and to carry out community service projects at local community based organizations. Although I am from South Africa, the idea for going to South Africa was recommended by the Student Council Association four years ago when the University provided tuition remission was used to expand student learning opportunities. I hope that this project can continue as I have observed the growth of students’ understanding of and sensitivity to cultural diversity after participating in this project. During my tenure, we also received a sizable donation from Dr. and Mrs. John E. Jacob, MSW 1963, Chairman Emeritus, Howard University Board of Trustees, naming the John E. and Barbara S. Jacob Distinguished Endowed Professorship. Additionally, the Presidential Commission on Academic Renewal recognized the School positively. We have had increased faculty publications and our doctoral program is ranked as the number one PhD program on campus and is highly ranked nationally. In answer to the University’s call for the creation of dual degrees, we have worked diligently to move towards this University goal. What are your plans after your deanship? I will take a sabbatical to continue my work on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. After sabbatical, I will return to the School of Social Work faculty where I can resume my first love, teaching and service to the Howard University School of Social Work Alumni Association. Do you have any final thoughts? Dr. Snell & Bishop Tutu In South Africa, Ubuntu speaks of the very essence of being human. Desmond Tutu stated, “a person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed, or treated as if they were less than who they are”. This quote epitomizes my view of social work and social workers. We belong in a bundle of life. 5 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work A Year in Review By Samantha Opong, President HUSSWAA The officers, members, and alumni of the Howard University School of Social Work Alumni Association take this opportunity to congratulate Sandra Edmonds Crewe, PhD who was appointed Interim Dean of the School of Social Work by Provost Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA. Dr. Crewe has been a long time active member of the alumni association and has provided constant support, by participating in our many events. We look forward to continuing our working relationship with Dr. Crewe and the School of Social Work. At the same time, HUSSWAA thanks Dean Snell for his outstanding leadership and support of the alumni association during his tenure as dean. HUSSWAA's requests to Dean Snell were always greeted with a smile and an assurance. He viewed his relationship with alumni as being of paramount importance. We look forward to Dr. Snell’s return from a much deserved sabbatical and are sure that he will continue his support and participation in HUSSWAA activities. HUSSWAA Gives Back Through Community Service The program year 2012 – 2013 was full of accomplishments as well as challenges. We completed two community service projects including our work at Turning Point Day Care Center (a shelter day care center for the homeless) where we organized and cleaned toys, books, and closets. Sherri Clark and Wendy Blum Organizing Toy Closet Caprice Troup, Chair Community Service Committee Organizing Reading Room HUSSWAA Goes to South Africa Dean Snell invited me to attend the International Service Learning Project in Cape Town, South Africa which is in its 4th year. Students and faculty had the opportunity to visit social service agencies and to provide community service to agency participants. I had the opportunity to observe students at The Ark, a faith-based organization which provides housing and rehabilitation services. It also runs a school for residents and the community. HUSSWAA plans to develop a fund raising project to assist the school in institutionalizing this project. While in South Africa for a short ten day HUSSWA President Opong experience, the student growth and sensitivity to cultural diversity and HUSSW with students at The Ark community need was evident. HUSSWAA Works with HUAA and University in New Accounting System This year we began the process of consolidating our bank accounts with the University system. There are many benefits to this new accounting system. We can now use charge cards for paying alumni dues or purchasing items from HUSSWAA. (HUSSWAA & HUAA dues currently total $60.00 per year). We are now under the 501c3 umbrella of HUAA to ensure that our alumni- giving is tax deductible. Alumni will now receive acknowledgement from the University for income tax purposes. 6 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Continued from page 6 In addition, for each alumnus who buys a ticket to an event or donates to our scholarship funds, these numbers are recognized by funders as alumni support. The Annual Luncheon HUSSWAA held its Annual Luncheon on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 where Andre Bell, a 2013 graduate and 2012 Sankofa scholarship recipient, reflected on the importance of the scholarship he received and thanked HUSSWAA for its support in his education. Patricia Yates from the class of 1963 brought reflections on the 50 years of social work practice and welcomed in the class of 2013. Due to alumni response to ticket sales, we were able to invite the entire graduating class to the luncheon and to provide an additional scholarship. Program Year 2013 – 2014 Patricia Yates, class of 1963 Finally, I encourage you to join us in our planned activities for this program year: HUSSWAA meetings are every 4th Saturday at 10:00am, in the HUSSW Faculty Lounge unless otherwise announced Saturday, October 26, 2013 – HUSSWAA Homecoming (in lieu of monthly meeting) Tailgate Breakfast – 10 am – Game Time Saturday, November 23, 2013 – 10:00 am HUSSW Faculty Lounge January, 2014 - 2014 Dues Submission Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HUSSWAA and Twitter HU Social Work Alumni@HUSSWAA for additional updates. In closing, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your continued support of HUSSWAA and current students. Please help us sustain our proud tradition of academic cultivation and commitment by supporting one or more of our scholarship funds. The importance of your support cannot be overemphasized as 82% of our students rely upon student loans to complete their education. With the rising tuition costs, our students are in need of financial support to successfully matriculate through the program. Your tax deductible financial donation will allow HUSSWAA to assist additional students in achieving the quality education provided by the Howard University School of Social Work. The Howard University School of Social Work Congratulates Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. On Its 100 Years of Service The Howard University School of Social Work’s history intersects with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. through the Baker’s Dozen project which was founded in 1944. Bakers' Dozen Inc. was an organization comprising 13 determined African-American women. All members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and many alumnae of the University, they initially began meeting socially once a week as a source of comfort and companionship for one another while their husbands were away 7 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Continued from page 7 fighting in the war. They later decided to commit themselves to actively seeking solutions to the problem of juvenile delinquency, a pervasive issue during that time. What began as weekly activities on one floor of a settlement house for a small number of area teens, grew to a variety of activities for hundreds of young people on all three floors of the house. The expansion forced them to seek larger and more permanent quarters, which would later be known as the Baker Dozen's Building. On Nov. 21, 1946, two buildings -- 1509 and 1511 Fourth St. NW -were purchased. In 1962, the Howard University Board of Trustees approved plans to merge programs coordinated by the School of Social Work with the Baker's Dozen, Inc. Youth Center, and two years later, the facility was deeded to the University as a gift to the School of Social Work. For nearly two decades, the center sponsored various youth and family activities, clinical practice and research until it closed in 1981. Delta Sigma Theta, we salute your dedication to social action and bettering the community and recognize social work Deltas such as your founders, Winona Cargile Alexander and Frederica Chase Dodd; your 10th National President, Dorothy I. Height; retired social work faculty members, Gladys Walton Hall and Brin Hawkins, and the social work faculty, alumni and student members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Winona Cargile Alexander Founder Dorothy I. Height 10th National President Frederica Chase Dodd Founder 8 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Happy 50th Anniversary School of Social Work Graduating Class of 1963 Mary H. Becker Marva P. Benjamin Luther Bishop, Jr. Mocile D. Botts Colonel Thomas H. Briscoe, NGUS RET Andrea Wright Burrell Alfonso R. Butler* Walter P. Carter* William E. Collins Isabelle C. Davis James M. Dean Duncan A. Dottin* James Howard Farmer* Betty W. Ferguson Marion G. Foster* Harry A. Gail, Jr. Benita J. Garth Thelma S. Greene Roberta W. Hill* John E. Jacob Charles A. Jemison Tillie Block Kameras* Arlene Vollen Karon Dorothy J. Kennison Robert A. Keyes Jacqueline D. Kinsler Laura M. Knight Joyce F. Lee Letha G. Lee Marilyn A. Littlejohn Arlene C. Manning Howard Maxwell, III William Mercer, Jr. Grace Anne Nesbitt John H. Newby, Jr. Constance B. Oliver Rose W. Parker Margery B. Passett Carrolle Fair Perry Ulrica G. Pope Iris G. Reeves Norman V. Reeves* Eugene L. Rhoden, Jr.* Barbara B. Richardson Milton Rochkind Roberta Smallwood Ross Betsy L. Ruben William C. Singleton* Mary R. Spriggs La Vernis W. Steen Grace N Strauss* Thomas Godwin Streckfus Willnetta S. Sutton Carrie M. Tucker Esther .S. Vines* Sonia Louden Walker Rose M. Walton Leonard Washington, Jr Rosemary T. White Patricia J. Williams Wendell Wright Edward J. Yates* Patricia K. Yates Joyce Lee Young* *Denotes deceased members 9 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work HOWARD UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Samantha Opong President Timothy Wallace Vice President Thank You Class of 1963 Donor Acknowledgement (Cumulative Giving to University Does Not Include Dues or Donations to HUSSWAA) More Than $1 Million Dr. John E. Jacob, Chairman Emeritus Howard University Board of Trustees $24,999 - $10,000 Lauren Pitman Vice President Dorothy J. Kennison Robert A. Keyes Mary R. Spriggs Tiffany Casey Recording Secretary Pamela Marshall Treasurer $9,999 - $5,000 Carla Rawlings Assistant Treasurer Arlene C. Manning Dr. John H. Newby,Jr. Jemima Anglade Historian Contact Us Mailing Address HUSSWAA Howard University School of Social Work 601 Howard Place, NW Washington, DC 20059 Email [email protected] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/H USSWAA Under $5,000 Marva P. Benjamin Mocile D. Botts Colonel Thomas H. Briscoe Andrea Wright Burrell Dr. William E. Collins Isabelle C. Davis Duncan A. Dottin Dr. Marion G. Foster Roberta W. Hill Maryily A. Littlejohn Howard Maxwell, III William Mercer, Jr. Constance B. Oliver Margery B. Passett Carrolle Fair Perry Ulrica G. Pope Dr. Barbara B. Richardson Roberta Smallwood Ross LaVernis W. Steen Willnetta S. Sutton Carrie M. Tucker Esther S. Vines Sonia Louden Walker Ross M. Walton Patricia J. Williams Edward J. Yates Patricia K. Yates Twitter HU Social WorkAlumni@HUSSWAA Webpage http://husswaa.weebly.com/ 10 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Alumni Giving: Foundations for the Future By Armajeanne Harmon, Development Officer The face of philanthropic giving displays confidence and joy. Today, at 90 years young, Mrs. Ernestine B. Lincoln, MSW Howard University class of 1959 embodies that joyful face of philanthropy. Since about 1973, Mrs. Lincoln began giving back to her alma mater. During the 70’s, the checks were for $25.00 but as time passed, the amounts on the checks steadily increased. By 1999, with her first major gift to the University, Mrs. Lincoln established the Ernestine B. Lincoln Endowed Scholarship Fund. Since then she has grown the fund with regular generous donations. This past year Mrs. Lincoln decided not to direct her giving to the Ernestine named endowed fund, but to contribute a full-year tuition scholarship Lincoln to The Bridging the Gap Student Aid Campaign. These funds were made immediately available to a student who fit the criteria set forth to receive the scholarship. One requirement was that the student be a parent of young children, which closely resembles Mrs. Lincoln’s story of gratitude for a grant that she received to earn her MSW degree in the late 50’s. To this day, Mrs. Lincoln remains grateful for those educational funds that enabled her to take care of her financial responsibilities while pursuing her Master’s degree as a full time student and mother of two girls, one, at that time, still in diapers. Mrs. Lincoln credits close friend and role model, Elma Ashton for introducing her to then Dean of Howard’s School of Social Work, Inabel Burns Lindsay. At that time, Lincoln had worked with Ms. Ashton at the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare’s Children’s Bureau in the District of Columbia. Mrs. Lincoln enjoyed a lengthy career with the DC Department of Health, Family and Child Services, and the University of the District of Columbia, until 1978. That year, Mrs. Lincoln was honored as “Social Worker of the Year” by the DC Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and accepted the position of regional consultant for the Family Services Association of America. She retired in 1983. ~ Three members of the Class of 1965 recently met with Dean Crewe and Armajean Harmon to begin planning for their 2015 50-year anniversary. The three class representatives expressed interest in naming a scholarship to honor their dean, Dr. Inabel Burns Lindsay. Members present were The Honorable Carole Davis Kennerly (former city council member, vice mayor Berkley, CA), Jean Chin Tapscott (retired administrator DC Department of Human Resources), and Gwen Nurse-Wright (retired school social worker). Armajeanne Harmon, Gwen Nurse-Wright, Carole Davis Kennedy, Dean Crewe, Jean Chin Tapscott The Class of 1965 challenges other reunion classes to begin planning early and contribute generously to our school’s future. 11 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Dr. Olga Osby, Featured Alumna Dr. Olga Osby, BA 1982; MSW 1989; DSW 1995 a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, is an Associate Professor at Jackson State University’s School of Social Work. On July 12, 2013, Dr. Osby was awarded Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 2013 Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair Award during the public meeting at the sorority’s 51st National Conference and Centennial Celebration in Washington, D.C. The $220,000 award will support Dr. Osby’s research on the role of African-American grandfather’s play in child rearing. In submitting her winning proposal, which is titled American Grandfathers in Community Engagement and Family Stabilization, Dr. Osby stated, “The project stems from my interest in looking at AfricanAmerican grandfathers as a hidden resource in the community. I see all of these men in our communities and in our churches, but as a social worker and a researcher, I didn’t see that reflected in the literature.” Dr. Osby first started working on her winning proposal last summer during a writing retreat for Jackson State University’s (JSU) female faculty members. The retreat was part of the JSU Advance program, which is a leadership development program for women faculty funded by the National Science Foundation. Dr. Osby took part in the retreat with support from JSU’s Center for University Scholars. She further developed her project through her participation in JSU’s Academy of Research and Scholarly Engagement, which launched in the fall of 2012. Through that program, researchers get support and coaching to develop their ideas into funded research projects. Dr. Osby’s is the first academy project to earn a grant award. JSU’s Division of Institutional Advancement worked with Dr. Osby to identify Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as a possible funder for her proposal. This former adjunct professor at the HUSSW, teaches in the BSW, MSW, and PhD programs at Jackson State. For seven years, Dr. Osby was on faculty at the University of Illinois at Chicago as an Assistant Professor and for two of those years, she served as the Interim Director of Field Instruction. In 2001, Dr. Osby became the Director of Social Work at Mississippi Valley State University followed by her current position at Jackson State University in 2003. In addition to her research interest in African American grandfathers, Dr. Osby’s research interests include kinship care among African American families, substance abuse among rural African American women and human rights and social justice issues with immigrant children and the formerly incarcerated. Dr. Osby began her social work career as a community organizer working with families in public housing developments in Washington, DC. She has had a strong belief that it is vital for social work students to directly and actively engage in community development, social justice and advocacy activities as part of their social work curriculum. In addition to this most recent award, Dr. Osby is the recipient of the Social Activist Award given by the Mary S. Nelmons Foundation. 12 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work SPOTLIGHT ON ALUMNI April 14, 2013, Seattle, Washington - Dr. Ira Arthell Neighbors, DSW 1994 received the Sol Gothard Lifetime Achievement Award at the 30th Annual Conference of the National Organization of Forensic Social Work (NOFSW). Ira’s family and friends traveled to the conference witness and applaud this great honor. The Gothard Award is the highest honor bestowed by the NOFSW. It is presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the forensic social work profession, public welfare, and humankind. Dr. Neighbors began his career serving people with developmental disabilities. He later worked as an adult education teacher in a correctional facility. After completing his post graduate studies at the University of California at Los Angeles and Howard University, Neighbors taught forensic social work at Cal-State University and at Southern University in New Orleans where he served as Dean of Graduate Studies. He retired recently from Southern University. Anne Salee, MSW 2009 is the Project Coordinator for the Global Sector Leader of the Aerospace and Defense practice, in Korn/Ferry International’s Washington D.C. office. Ms. Salee is a member of the Firms Global Industrial Market as well as a member of the Red Cross Local Disaster Action Team (DAT Member). Ms. Salee has worked with numerous organizations in the Washington Metropolitan area and holds her social work license in both the District of Columbia and Maryland. Although Ms. Salee is quite accomplished in many areas of her career, perhaps one of her most distinguished achievements is her newly appointed position as a Board Member of the DC Board of Social Work. Ms. Salee continues to excel in the field of social work and will accept nothing but greatness for herself in the future. Annie Wright, MSW 2012 (left) & Tina Johnson Addo, MSW 2012 (right) establish an international agency. As the president and program director of Change Agent Network, Inc. Maryland Office, Annie Wright strives to “develop and implement diverse initiatives to contribute towards the ethical and peaceful progress of education, spiritual and mental development for the next generation of Africans”. Along with Vice President Tina Johnson Addo, Ms. Wright and Change Agent Network actively endorse and “nourish a global network of like-minded individuals committed to facilitating positive change in the world”. Recently, the dynamic duo initiated several ongoing projects including the Teacher Adoption Program, the Clean Water Project, and the Red Hook Housing Project. Together, Annie Wright and Tina Johnson Addo change the minds, hearts, and lives” of young people through their work with Change Agent Network, Inc. The focus of their work is on the African Continent. 13 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Continued from page 13 Dr. Darrell Wheeler, MSW 1988 who serves as the Dean of the Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work, was recently elected the National PresidentElect of the National Association of Social Workers. After a year as President-Elect, Dean Wheeler will assume the national presidency of the largest social work professional organization for a two year term of office. Krystal Branton, MSW 2006 was recently appointed to the position of Communications Director for Councilmember Jim Graham (Ward 1) at the Council of the District of Columbia. Councilmember Graham currently serves as Chair of the Human Services Committee. Lawrence O. Yates, MSW 1975 retired from the District of Columbia Department of Health after 33 years of service. Mr. Yates first came to the District of Columbia to work in a teen pregnancy project before securing a position with the neighborhood health centers where he and his colleagues developed and implemented several programs designed to increase the self-awareness and self-efficacy among troubled youth. At his retirement, Yates was an inspector for Community Based Residential Facilities. Bonnie Rampersaud, MSW 1973 is a two time graduate of Howard University. She served as Executive Director Allied and Behavioral Health Photo by QuintEssential for 14 Boards in the District of Columbia’s Health Videography & Photography Professional Licensing Administration which included the Board of Social Work until her retirement in 2012. After graduating from the School of Social Work, Ms. Rampersaud was employed at the school. She also worked as a grant writer for the DC Office of Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. She subsequently moved to Trinidad and Tobago where she worked as an Outreach Coordinator. While in Trinidad and Tobago, Rampersaud was hired by Cannes and Company as a Training Coordinator and was promoted to Director of Training. While in that position, she collaborated with Cornell University to procure coursework for the trainees and successfully graduated 3 classes before returning to the United States. Upon her return, she served in the DC Public Schools as a Counselor in the Human Resource Department. Professor Anthea Seymour, MSW 1996 joined the faculty as an adjunct professor teaching Management Information Systems. Professor Seymour is the Chief Operating Officer for the DC Department of Mental Health’s Saint Elisabeths Hospital. 14 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Continued from page 14 Isaiah Marshall, MSW 1998; PhD 2008 was named the program director of graduate social work at Daemen College. Prior to this position, Dr. Marshall was the undergraduate social work program coordinator at Winston-Salem State. In 2007, he was a lecturer in the Department of Social Work at Bowie State University in Bowie, MD. Also, he has served as an adjunct professor in the Department of Social Work at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC. Marilyn Granville Davis, MSW 1993 received her PhD in reading and literacy from Alabama A&M University December, 2011. She is the founder of the Reading Experiences Are Dynamic (R.E.A.D.) program. R.E.A.D.’s mission is to encourage families to start reading to children at birth. She is a professional speaker and author. She has published three books: Just Say YES, My Christian ABC Book, and Learning Colors and Numbers with a Smile. The Social Work Professional Advisory Group of the Commissioned Corps of the US Public Health Services has named two Howard University School of Social Work alumni as senior and junior social workers of the year. CDR Stacey Evans, MSW 1998 Senior Social Worker of the Year, is presently assigned to the Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Center of Excellence (DCoE), Deployment Health Clinical Center (DHCC), Specialty Care Directorate (SC), where she is the deputy branch chief for the Clinical Recommendations Section and the lead for the DoD Integrated, Mental Health Strategy #26 (translation of research into clinical practice). As a career counselor, CDR Evans has positively impacted the careers of over 200 officers. She demonstrated excellent leadership skills while serving as Chair of the Health Services Officer Appointment Board, as well as president of the District of Columbia, Commissioned Officers Association Metropolitan Branch. The second awardee is LCDR Tarsha Cavanaugh, MSW 2002 who was nominated for her exceptional leadership qualities as a Senior Public Health Analyst within the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Office of Women’s Health (OWH). She serves as the lead advisor on subject matters related to violence prevention, oral health, veterans and tribal women’s health. LCDR Cavanaugh is the HRSA Women’s Health Coordinating Committee, Violence Prevention Workgroup Chair and provides leadership in the development of priorities and partnerships related to violence prevention. Most recently, she has taken the initiative to establish partnerships related to behavioral health and its impact on women, veterans and trauma-informed care. 15 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Continued from page 15 Isha M. Sharpe, MSW 2007received the 2012 Employee of the Year Award for her work in the District of Columbia as a community supervision officer. This award is given to one officer each year who exhibits the values set forth by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency. Two Howard University School of Social Work alumni were recognized by the DC Metro Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers during its Biennial Conference, March 1, 2013. Anthony Hill (MSW 2001; DSW 2008) received the Advocate of the Year Award and Janice Davis (MSW 1980) was recognized as the Educator of the Year. Awardees were announced by Jonathan Ward (MSW 2003) Chair of the DC Metro Chapter Awards Committee and presented by Alumnae Cynthia E. Harris, Chapter President. Alumni Cynthia Harris, Anthony Hill, & Jonathan Ward with HU adjunct faculty member, Philip Lucas Cynthia Harris, Janice Davis, Jonathan Ward Lavar Youmans, MSW 2011 is the newly appointed Ambassador for the DC Department of Transportation. He was a former Nevada Field Organizer for the President Obama and Vice President Biden Re-Election Campaign. Nathan Bovelle (right), MSW 1997 has been appointed the Executive Deputy Director for the DC Housing Authority. Kenya Jones, MSW 2007 received her PhD in social work from Morgan State University in 2013. She is currently an assistant professor at Clark Atlanta University. Charnetta Gadling-Cole, (not pictured) PhD 2010 has been appointed the Interim Chair of the Department of Social Work, Psychology, and Counseling at Alabama A&M University. Carrie Jefferson Smith, DSW 1998 (left) is the Director and Associate Professor at the School of Social Work Syracuse, New York. Florence Champagne, MSW 2006 recently had a book signing for her newly published book titled, Inez’s Granddaughter. She is pictured at the author talk and book signing with Dean Sandra Edmonds Crewe. Florence Champagne (left) and Dean Crewe (right) 16 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work In Memoriam Mary Graves Norris, MSW 1946 passed away on February 14th, 2012 at the tender age of 91. Mrs. Norris was a 1946 graduate of the Howard University School of Social Work. We are thankful to have had such an amazing leader in the field of social work. Barbara Yvonne Ashby, MSW 1966 lost her longtime battle with colon and liver cancer on October 3rd, 2012. During the course of her life, she received her BSW and MSW degrees from Howard University and went on to become the Director of Social Work for the D.C. Commission on Mental Health, in addition to serving as an adjunct professor at Howard University. The legacy left by Mrs. Barbara Yvonne Ashby is one that will remain in our hearts and minds forever. Foletia John Nguasong, MSW 1996 passed November 8th, 2012 at the age of 59. Nguasong moved to America at an early age and settled in Washington D.C metropolitan area where he eventually obtained his MSW from Howard University. Edward Joseph Yates, MSW 1963, passed away Feb. 16, 2010 at age 73 at home in Washington, D.C. He was the loving and much- loved husband of Patricia Yates, Class of 1963. (right) Robert R. Middleton, MSW 1958 (not pictured) was a three time Howard University graduate who excelled as a social worker. Mr. Middleton spent more than 10 years with Child Protective Services. Earlier, he had worked as a social worker for the D.C. housing department and the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs in New Mexico. He was a volunteer with the D.C. Big Brothers/Sisters program. Middleton passed January 8th, 2012 at the age of 85 after losing his battle with cancer. William C. Singleton II, MSW 1963 - William Singleton ascended from earth on June 22th, 2012 at the age of 80 in District Heights, MD. Singleton was a beloved family man and a proud sponsor of his alma mater. (left) Charles Waddell, MSW 1967- Charles Waddell died March 12th, 2012 at the young age of 73 in Phoenix, AZ. Waddell was a true activists working intensely with the African American population. Waddell was a founding member of the Association of Black Psychologists and a distinct member of Omega Psi Phi and 100 Black Men of California and Atlanta. In addition to his activism, Waddell taught as a professor at Marymount Loyola University and had his own private practice. (right) 17 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Continued from page 17 Robert K. Wert, MSW 1970 passed away April 4th, 2012 after working at the Oaklawn Psychiatric Center for 26 years until his retirement. In his later years he worked with the Outreach Commission and Jubilee Fund program at College Mennonite Church where he was a member. Wert loved to spend at the Farmers Market and with his grandchildren. (pictured below) Terri Lloyd, MSW 2002 died March 24, 2013. After graduating from A & T State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Social Services, she relocated to Washington, DC where she ultimately accepted a position with the National Association of Social Workers. Her passion for social work continued as she enrolled in the MSW program at Howard University. She was awarded the HUSSWAA Social Worker of the Year award in 2007. She continued her ambition to serve people and began working with the homeless and disenfranchised communities. This led to her employment at United Ministries, Housing Counseling, Inc. and Residential Care, Inc. (pictured to the right) Carol Tally Whitehead, DSW 1991; MSW 1973 (not pictured) was memorialized on February 23, 2013 at the Lord’s Church in Baltimore, Maryland. Her dissertation was titled Single Mothers and Their Adolescent Sons: The Impact of Marital Status on Self-esteem and Sex-role Identity. Catherine O’Neill, (pictured to the right) social worker turned social activist and advocated for refugee women died on December 26, 2012. O’Neill co-founded the Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children with actress Liv Ullmann and others in 1989, after observing conditions in the refugee camps in Pakistan and other areas of plight. In 1999, Kofi Annan, then Secretary General of the United Nations, appointed Ms. O’Neill director of the United Information Center in Washington, a job she held until her retirement in 2007. Gail Desmond, MSW 2000 (not pictured) passed away on Monday, April 15, 2013. Gail was a resident of Catlett, Virginia. Prior to her illness Gail was enrolled in the HU Social Work PhD program. While in the program, Gail was a contributor to the book titled Immigration Worldwide Policies, Practices, & Trends book. IN TRIBUTE JUDITH LISETTE BRADLEY BREMNER, D.S.W. Social work practitioner, administrator and educator in the DC Metro area, died August 12, 2013 at her home in Washington, DC. Dr. Bremner was a licensed independent certified social worker and practiced in the areas of mental health, child welfare, adoptions and substance abuse, primarily at the Children's National Medical Center, DC General Hospital, and the Psychiatric Institute of Montgomery County, as well as in private practice. Dr. Bremner was a social work administrator at Lutheran Social Services, was Director of the Office of Social Work Accreditation at the Council on Social Work Education, and taught at The University of Maryland Baltimore County in the social work program and as an adjunct at the Howard University School of Social Work and the National Catholic School of Social Service. She was a 1967 graduate of Howard University, received a master's degree in social work from Catholic University in 1972, a certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy from the Washington School of 18 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Continued from page 18 Psychiatry in 1980, and a doctoral degree in social work from Howard University in 1994. She was a member of several organizations including the Oracle Set Book Club, the National Association of Social Workers, and the Council on Social Work Education. In 2010, she was honored as a mentor by the Women’s Council of the Council of Social Work Education. In retirement, she was the CEO of Judith Bremner Consulting Services. Most recently, Dr. Bremner acted as the mock site visitor for the successful reaccreditation of the Howard University School of Social Work. She visited over 35 cities in 24 states and over 27 cities in 18 other countries. In her words, “not bad for a poor black child from Kannapolis”. As she said many times: “I was born happy, raised happy and now I am going to die happy”. And she did. Jay Carrington Chunn II Former Dean HUSSW-1974 – 1984 Dr. Chunn, a renowned education leader, professor, and author, passed away at his home in Columbia, MD on January 31, 2013. He was 74. Dr. Chunn's illustrious career spanned over 50 years. He came to Howard University School of Social Work in 1971 as a part time associate professor teaching Social Policy I and II. At the time of his appointment, Dr. Chunn was the Vice President of the National Association of Black Social Workers and later became its national President. He held many notable posts, including serving as Dean of Howard University's School of Social Work. At the time of his appointment, he was the youngest dean in Howard University's history at age 34. Among his many honors, Dr. Chunn was an Ohio University graduate of the year award recipient and also received its Alumni Medal of Merit for Outstanding Contributions in Human Development, the highest alumni award given by Ohio University. Morgan State University also honored him as a hero in social work, and inducted him into the School of Social Work Hall of Fame in 2010. In addition to his affiliation with Howard University, Dr. Chunn also served as President of Medgar Evers College, City University of New York in Brooklyn, New York; Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research at Alabama A & M University in Normal, Alabama; Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, and most recently, Director and Principal Investigator for the National Center for Health Behavioral Change and Professor, School of Social Work at Morgan State University. Dr. Chunn authored and edited several books, including Mental Health and People of Color: Curriculum Development and Change, Howard University Press, 1983 and The Survival of Black Children and Youth, Nuclassics and Science, 1974. The last book he edited and co-authored was The Health Behavioral Change Imperative: Theoretical, Educational and Practice Dimensions, 2002, published by Kluwer Academic Press. A former Howard University School of Social Work student, Ron Jackson wrote, There will never be enough words to say about Dr. Chunn as he was so very instrumental in my career starting at Howard University School of Social Work and beyond. Jay was a trailblazer and man of impeccable character who just did everything RIGHT! His contributions to the field of Social Work and beyond will long live his legacy. 19 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Social Work faculty is involved in campus-wide programs This article is written by Campus Safety First Program Director and faculty member Dr. Tricia Bent-Goodley. Campus Safety First Program (CSFP) Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault & Stalking Awareness at the MECCA By Dr. Tricia Bent-Goodley The Howard University Campus Safety First Program (CSFP) provides education, training and broadens awareness about dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking at Howard University. The mission of the CSFP Program is to enhance the safety and quality of life of Howard University students, staff, and faculty through education and training related to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking prevention and intervention. Since its inception in 2010, CSFP has provided training to over 90% of the Howard University Department of Public Safety Officers and the Office of Student Services Judicial Affairs Officers, and provided education and awareness to over 2,300 students. Working in partnership with its Campus, Community and Student Advisory Boards, CSFP has developed the University policy and procedures on how to respond to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking at Howard University. CSFP participates in student events, Call to Chapel, orientation activities, and the Howard University Threat Assessment Team. In addition to training, education and awareness activities, CSFP facilitates utilization of advocates for students if needed, provides on- and off-campus referrals, and provides individual education and information for persons requesting such information at Howard University. The CSFP program activities help to support university mandates around Clery reporting, the Campus SAVE Act, and Title IX requirements. CSFP is supported by funding from the Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women. The Program Director is Dr. Tricia Bent-Goodley, MSW, LICSW and the Project Coordinator is Mrs. Akosoa McFadgion, MSW 2000 and is currently enrolled in the PhD program. For more information, please visit our office at the Howard University Howard Center Suite 508 or contact us via phone at 202-238-2382 email us at [email protected] or follow up on twitter at http://twitter.com/CSFPHU 20 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Keeping Up-to-Date with Professional Trends By Dr. Cynthia E. Harris There are several changes occurring in the delivery of social work services. This article is designed to update you on trends that impact our profession. Current Procedural Terminology Codes Many of you provide private behavioral health services or work in behavioral health clinics. Reimbursement from Managed Health Companies for psychotherapy requires the use of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Effective January 1, 2013, the CPT codes changed, deleting some codes and replacing others. In addition to code changes, the concept of “Add Ons” was introduced under the new regulations. These “Add Ons” are additional CPT codes that can be billed in addition to the primary code during a session, but cannot be billed as a stand-alone code. For more information visit, http://www.ntst.com/compliance/CPTCode-Changes-For-2013.pdf. In addition, the National Association of Social Workers will host one hour teleconference trainings for its members on psychotherapy codes. For more information visit, http://socialworkers.org/. DSM-5 The DSM-5 was released during the American Psychiatric Association (APA) annual meeting in May, 2013. According to Dr. Carlton E. Munson, the release of the DSM-5 will have significant impact for social workers who use mental health diagnoses in their work. Some of the major changes include organization of the manual, coding systems will be consistent with the ICD-10-CM changes, and the DSM-IV-TR multi-axial system will be replaced by “nonaxial” documentation of diagnosis in DSM-5. According to Dr. Munson some other changes include changes in criteria in the Autism Spectrum Disorder, hoarding will be added to the DSM-5, and Substance Use Disorder will combine substance abuse and substance dependence. (Excerpts taken from The Maryland Social Worker, Winter Edition 2013). According to the Association of Social Work Boards, the national testing site for social work licensure, it will review and evaluate the implications for the social work licensing examination before making changes in the examination. Current examinations with DSM-IV-TR will continue to contain DSMIV-TR criteria and no changes to the examination will be made before January 2015. There is controversy about the new DSM-5 which is more medically oriented and psychosocial issues that impact one’s mental status have been eliminated. According to licensed psychologist Dr. Susan Lewis, the National Institute of Mental Health will not recognize the DSM-5 diagnoses and criteria as the author’s failed to provide rigorous evidenced based research in developing the criteria. Further, Dr. Lewis indicates that there have been legal and legislative reviews in some states which will not recognize the DSM-5. The behavioral health community is still awaiting decisions by insurance companies on acceptance of the DSM-5 diagnoses. Updates on the status of the DSM-5 will be forthcoming. 21 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Continued from page 21 Virginia Licensing Regulations Many of our graduates and graduates from other schools of social work, including those in Virginia, have been adversely impacted by the prescriptive licensing course requirements for clinical licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Virginia is the only state that has such prescriptive regulations. The Commonwealth recently passed legislation which was signed into law by the Governor to require 12 hours of clinical course work from an MSW program accredited by the Council on Social Work education which puts the Commonwealth on par with other state licensing regulations. New regulations were scheduled to be developed in July when the new law went into effect. Virginia now requires applicants to be certified by the school that they meet the clinical requirements. presentations on health insurance options. There will be opportunities for organizations to become navigators and to provide community outreach. One of the most important aspects of the Act is that it places behavioral health on parity with physical health care. While the legislation requires group health plans with 50 or more employees to offer the same deductibles, copayments and frequency of treatments for behavioral health as that of medical/surgical coverage, it does not require mental health coverage. It does mean that substance abuse or mental illness cannot be used by insurers to deny coverage for these disorders as a preexisting condition. In addition, any policies offered through the exchanges and Medicaid must cover mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Affordable Care Act Provisions found in the 2010 Affordable Care Act are slated to go into effect in 2014. Many of the provisions will impact our client population and our practice. Under the legislation, health exchanges are created to enable Americans without employer-based or public insurance to shop from to find a plan that fits their needs. States had three options in creating health exchanges: 1. The state could create their own exchanges; 2. Have the federal government run the health exchange for them; or 3. Create a partnership exchange with the federal government. And now you are in the know!! In order to help consumers to understand their options, the Act created navigator programs to conduct outreach and give 22 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Janie Jeffers (MSW 1972) is an alumnae and adjunct professor teaching Criminal Justice Field of Practice School of Social Work Hosts Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration Forum By Janie Jeffers On April 9, 2013 the School of Social Work hosted three members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Taskforce on Immigration in the Business School Auditorium to a full audience. The CBC Forum focused on the impact of immigration on Black America. The forum was opened by Dr. Alvin P. Thornton, Office of President Ribeau, with a lively and informative welcome from Dr. Sandra Crewe, representing Dean Snell. The panel consisted of Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY), Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY) and Rep. Steven Horsford (NV); Dr. Greg Carr, AfroAmerican Studies at Howard and Alden I. Nesbitt of the National Youth Association. The panel discussed assumptions about immigration and its impact - such as the overlooked fact that there are more than three million immigrants of African descent living in the United States, who are adversely affected by immigration policies including detention, lack of important identification documents and potential deportation. The Business School auditorium was filled with Howard administrators, faculty, staff, and students, with a great turnout from Social Work, other universities and local community residents. Through social media connections, the forum had an international and national reach. Ms. LaDavia Drane, CBC Executive Director, was instrumental in initiating the forum after serving as guest lecturer for several classes in the School of Social Work. Ms. Drane felt that Howard represented the global community on issues affecting the African diaspora and suggested several future forums will be held at Howard. This initiative, among others, represents Howard University and the School of Social Work’s leadership and commitment to advancing and promoting global knowledge on national and international issues. Mr. Nesbitt is one example; brought to America as a child by educator parents recruited to teach in the NY school system with unfulfilled promises regarding citizenship, he is now an adult living with potential deportation. He indicated that there are many other students facing the same dilemma - not able to continue school, secure employment, or purchase a home because of their immigration status. Reps. Steven Horsford, Yvette Clark, & Hakeem Jeffries 23 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Focusing on a Critical Issue: Publication of Special Issue on Parenting By Dr. Ruby Gourdine In 2011 the Direct Practice Sequence agreed to pursue a special journal issue on parenting “Parenting in the Twenty- first Century”. This activity was achieved in less than one year. This journal included 15 articles and 23 authors. These authors included doctoral students, junior and senior faculty, and adjunct faculty, colleagues from other universities and professional organizations. Since its publication in February several follow up activities have occurred. The copies of the articles were sent to the library for its electronic data base, two sets of the 15 articles (hard copy) were placed in the social work library. These articles will be used to supplement courses. We were able to assemble a panel to present at the biennial conference at the Metro Chapter NASW conference. We had a full – standing room audience that stayed beyond the allotted time and were very interested in the presentation. Also an article is published in the HU April Capstone about the publication. We have had a press release on the special issue. Several of the authors and a doctoral student have been accepted to do a 90 minute panel on parenting at the CSWE conference in November, 2013. Contributors: Sharon Issurant, NASW National Office, Cheryl Carroll, The Bahamas PACE programme Carl Algood, Jun Sung Hong (U of Illinois), Allessia Owens, Shanya Waites, Brianna Lemons, Doctoral Students Jessica Ayala, MSW student UNLV Monique Major, HU Psychology student Dr. Andridia Mapson, Dr. Altaf Husain, Junior Faculty Dr. Anniglo Boone Dr. Ruby Gourdine , guest editor, Dr. Annie W. Brown (ret), Dr. Cynthia Harris, Dr. Elizabeth Bertera, Dr. Sandra Edmonds Crewe, Dr. Jacqueline Smith, Dr. Janice Berry Edwards, and Dr. Kamilah Majied, HU faculty Dr. Ivory Tolson HU School of Education Dr. Tamarah Moss- Knight ( PhD alumna) Dr. Tracy Whitaker ( NASW National Office), Dr. Anniglo Boone, adjunct faculty Dr. Lynn Milgram Mayer, Wendt Blome, Catholic University colleagues, Dr. Ramona Denby, UNLV colleague, Dr. Elijah Mickle, ret. Delaware State University and HU alumnus In addition to the journal we were able to offer two evidenced trainings parenting trainings at the school last year in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health. Professor Fitts (MSW 1988) is meeting his obligation for the free training by conducting parent groups at his agency. We await his report on the results. Peter Fitts 24 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work FACULTY LEADERSHIP Dean Blanchita Porter is the outgoing President of the DC Chapter of the Democratic Women’s Committee. She served in this capacity for the last five years. Dr. Tricia Bent-Goodley was recently elected as the Graduate Faculty Representative to the CSWE Board of Directors. In addition she was appointed by the National President of NASW Committee on Women’s Issues. She recently accepted the position as the Director of the HUSSW PhD program. Dr. Altaf Husain was appointed the Co-Chair of the Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration cluster of the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) as well as the Co-editor of a special issue of the Social Work and Christianity journal on Religion and Spirituality in Competency-based Social Work Practice. Dr. Fariyal Ross-Sheriff has been appointed to the Council on Social Work Education’s Council of Publications. (pictured right) Dr. Ruby Gourdine holds several appointments as reviewer for several peer review journals, including SAGEOPEN, CSWE AND Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. She serves as Consulting Editor for the Journal of Field Education, and has been appointed to the Carl A. Scott Book Scholarship Committee with the Council on Social Work Education. Dr. Cynthia E. Harris began her tenure as President of the DC Metro Chapter of NASW July 1, 2012. She will hold this position until June 30, 2014. Dr. Janice Berry-Edwards is the Chair of the Clinical Practice sequence for the Council on Social Work Education. She was appointed to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s MHQCC Workgroup within the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities. This group is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of cultural competency regulations for the State of Maryland. Dr. Soleman Abu-Bader (pictured below) is a member of the Editorial Review Board of the Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research. Dr. Meirong Liu serves as the co-chairperson of the Council on Social Work Education’s Asian-Pacific Islanders Track whose goal is to bridge the eastern and western philosophies/paradigms toward social work, seeking to identify (evidence-based and/or culturally competent) social work practice that encourages new and different paradigms in social work and social welfare. In addition, she serves as the leader of the CSWE China-USA Social Work Collaborative. 25 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Fall 2013: Reaching New Heights of Excellence As the 2013 – 2014 academic year began, the Howard University School of Social Work administration, faculty, staff, and students came together with the mutual goal of continuing the legacy of academic excellence and commitment to the social work profession. New Student Orientation was held on August 19, 2013 with an increased enrollment of new students entering the halls of 601 Howard Place, NW eager to begin their journey into the social work profession. In addition to meeting the Dean, faculty, staff, alumni and continuing students, this cohort attended mandatory success labs on effective professional writing and the use of Blackboard technology. Many of the students attended the diversity tour with Faculty visiting the Franklin D. Roosevelt and Martin Luther King, Jr. monuments where they learned of the foundational policies and civil rights contributions that undergird social work practice today. The diversity tour also allowed students to see the areas where they will be placed in field agencies with a visit to one of our agencies. New Student Orientation culminated with orientation to field education designed to ensure that students are aware of what to expect in their field experiences. On Saturday, August 24, 2013, the faculty, administrative staff, alumni and students joined the DC Metro Chapter National Association of Social Workers in the 50th anniversary recreation of the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Social Justice. Under the leadership of DC Metro Chapter President Cynthia E. Harris, who is an alumnus and faculty member, the social work profession was well represented at the march. As Dr. Harris has indicated, the march was a symbolic beginning of the need for the social work community to address the threats to social justice as exemplified by stand your grounds laws, voting rights, and discriminatory practices perpetrated throughout the United States. Dean Crewe introduced Mr. Solomon Abrha Gebrekistos, a Fulbright scholar, at the 1st faculty meeting of the academic year. He is the Vice President of Administration at the University of Gondar in his native country, Ethiopia. Mr. Abrha Gebrekistos is interested in HIV/AIDS research with a plan to develop training for paraprofessionals working with the infected and affected HIV/AIDS population in Ethiopia. 26 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Continued from page 26 Faculty was also introduced to Dr. Elsie Scott, the Founding Director of The Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center at Howard University. The Center was approved by the Board of Trustee as an interdisciplinary program with a focus on public policy, nonprofit management, and leadership training. The Center will host a visiting scholar and visiting fellow program. This year, former Congressman Ronald Dellums is the visiting fellow and will be working with the school of social work. Congressman Dellums has expressed an interest in HIV/AIDS also. Provost Wayne A.I. Frederick, who appears on the cover of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, brought greetings to the faculty. He announced an increase in student enrollment for this academic year which has helped with the budget especially in light of reductions in the federal payments. While some historically black colleges and universities have had to lay off faculty, Howard University did not as it met its enrollment goals. Provost Frederick also announced some new innovative programs at the university including opening of the interdisciplinary research center and we plan a Social Work presence. As the university moves towards contemporizing its programs, Provost Frederick emphasized plans to make higher education more accessible and attractive for nontraditional students. This includes the creation of up to 25 new online programs over the next few years. The School of Social Work is scheduled to launch a MSW online program as a part of this initiative. On September 7, 2013, a relationship that began approximately 8,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean came full circle for 50 MSW and Ph.D. students and recent graduates. Cohorts from each participating year since the International Service Learning program to Cape Town’s inception met at the AT&T Nation’s Classic Howard vs. Morehouse football game for a reunion and homecoming celebration welcoming Maggie and Helen Shongwe to the United States. Students from the Howard University School of Social work first met the mother/daughter duo in March 2010 when Dr. Annie Brown suggested a visit to the Pinocchio Crèche be added to the itinerary. Since then, student and faculty participants have been consistently moved by their insight, tenacity, and passion for the populations they serve. The Pinocchio Crèche (daycare center) was founded by Maggie Shongwe, a community organizer, who saw a need to provide the children of domestic workers 27 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Continued from page 27 with a safe space where they receive proper care, holistic educational enrichment, and nutritional meals produced from their organic garden. HUSSW students on the international service learning program participate in service projects at the Crèche each year with activities including gardening, programs with the children, grant proposal writing, and assistance with developing promotional literature. Drs. Snell & Brown with Helen & Maggie Shongwe Howard School of Social Work Receives Kellogg Foundation Grant to Study Racial Disparities in Child Welfare Systems The Howard University School of Social Work has received a grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation to evaluate the effectiveness of racial equality standards in countering the overrepresentation of African Americans in child welfare systems. Ruby M. Gourdine, D.S.W., (left) and Jacqueline M. Smith, Ph.D., (right) are coprincipal investigators on the $75,000 grant. The grant will fund the evaluation of child welfare procedures in two states where Black children are overrepresented. The grant period runs from April 2013 to March 2014 “The rate of African-American children in the child welfare system remains disproportionate to their numbers in the general population,” Gourdine said. “Too many African-American children are removed from their homes and efforts should be made to eliminate risk faced by children in fragile families in need of intervention services.” Studies have shown that some of the reasons African-American children are removed from their homes involve poverty, racism and a lack of cultural competency. For these reasons there may be a lack of understanding of how Black families parent and cope. Gourdine said when considering the cases of African-American children child welfare professionals often overlook alternatives to a child entering state custody, such kinship care and/ or services designed to improve parenting skills and access to resources. These agencies selected for the study have received training on racial equality standards from the advocacy organization Black Administrators in Child Welfare (BACW), which augment the established standards required by the Council on Accreditation (COA) which is the accrediting body for child welfare agencies. Gourdine and Smith will evaluate whether implementation of the BACW standards have been effective. 28 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Andrea Barnes 2012 - 2013 William H. Cosby, Jr. and Camille O. Hanks Cosby Fellow Andrea Barnes, a second-year MSW student concentrating in Community, Administration and Policy Practice in the child and family welfare field of practice, was the 2013 Cosby Fellow. In August 2012 she began interning at the Center for the Study of Social Policy, where she assisted in the development of policies relating to advancing race equity for children and families. Through policy briefs and an online blog she helped to inform state and local policymakers of best practices and evidence-based practices in areas such as health care and welfare reform. During her first year at Howard, she interned at the Perry School Community Services Center where she worked directly with clients in the Social Services Department. Andrea earned her bachelor’s degree with honors from Brown University in May 2008. From June 2008 to August 2012, Andrea worked as the Policy and Research Associate at the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health and represented the voice of families of children with mental health challenges in national policy venues. She worked with coalitions to advance policy, advocated on Capitol Hill, and trained youth and family members on advocacy and policy. She also co-chaired the Social Services subcommittee of the Mental Health Liaison Group, a coalition of over 60 national organizations. On April 29, 2013, Ms. Barnes presented her research on Labeling of Youth with ADHD and Impact on their Psychological Wellbeing. Her faculty mentors were Dr. Soleman Abu-Bader and Dr. Jacqueline Smith. Ms. Barnes graduated with a 4.0 grade point average in May, 2013. She is currently working as a Policy and Research Associate at the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. Academic Year 1991-1992 1992-1993 1993-1994 1994-1995 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 1998-1999 1999-2000 2000- 2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 School of Social Work Newsletter Cosby Fellow Faculty Mentor Talieth Shaw Wanda Smith Nicole Boseman Emmitt Gill Michael Lindsay Kimberly Rattley Tara Patterson Michael Adams Johannes John -Langba Labone’ Workman Noreen Freeman Mohammad Tirmazi Leah Scott Susan Steele Edwards Brianna Lemmons Efuntomiwa Adedeji Anita Mingo Saundre’ Allen Adrian Burnim Jemima Anglade Brittany Kitt Andrea Barnes Dr. Marie Baker Dr. Odessa Thompson Dr. Ruby Gourdine Dr. Lawrence Gary Dr. Lawrence Gary Dr. Norma Jones Prof. James Craigen Dr. Norma Jones Dr. Lawrence Gary Dr. Ruby Gourdine Dr. Sandra Edmonds Crewe Dr. Tricia Bent-Goodley Dr. Tricia Bent-Goodley Dr. Charles Lewis & Dr. Fariyal Ross Sheriff Dr. Charles Lewis Dr. Annie Brown Dr. Charles Lewis Dr. Sandra Crewe & Dr. Andridia Mapson Dr. Charles Lewis & Dr. Von Nebbitt Dr. Jacqueline Smith Dr. Kamilah Majied Dr. Soleman Abu-Bader & Dr. Jacqueline Smith Fall 2013 29 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Our first DSW & first PHD Dr. Rowena Wilson ’80 (left) was the first DSW graduate from the Howard University School of Social Work and is now serving as the Interim Dean at Norfolk State University Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work. Dr. Sandra Edmonds Crewe ‘97 (right) was the first student who received her PhD in social work. Dr. Crewe is now serving as the Interim Dean at Howard University School of Social Work. Meet Our 2013 Graduates: Notes from Our Exit Survey Although students have the option of completing the program in four years, 71.6% completed program in 2 years and 4.9% completed in 3 semesters representing our advanced standing or transfer students. 70% of the students were employed while completing the program 82% of the students concentrated in direct practice methods while 17% had Community, Administration, and Policy practice as their concentration. 16% of the graduates achieved GPAs between 3.9 and 4.0 The role of alumni and family recommendations accounted for 25% of reasons given for attending the Howard University School of Social Work. This emphasizes the importance of alumni in recruiting new students. As we move towards more online and hybrid courses and an strictly online MSW for select students, our newest graduates indicated that just under 75% had taken and on-line or hybrid course and 86% of those enrolled in these course options indicated that they were a best fit for their schedules. Most students felt that the curriculum prepared them to practice with a wide range of populations and systems. Interestingly, 15% stated a lack of content on religious orientations different from their own was missing from the curriculum. [This is an area we will target next academic year in our professional development series] School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Continued from page 30 Of the 33 participants who indicated participation in the 2010-2013 International Service Learning Cohorts (Cape Town) almost 60% rated it as good or better in preparing them for social work practice. Over 90% of students had educational loans related to their MSW degree. Also, almost 65% had undergraduate unpaid loans. Many averaged loans of $100,000 or more. Approximately 25% of students received some form of scholarships. An overwhelming majority of the students indicated that they had above average of advanced mastery of the CSWE core competencies. 73% of graduates plan to take licensing examination 3 months after graduating and 10% had taken the exam prior to graduating. Over 25% of graduates are interested in or have applied for Ph.D. programs. Almost 60% indicated that their experience was excellent or very good There were a number of memorable experiences remembered by students of their time matriculating in the School of Social Work at Howard University. These experiences collectively included the New Student Orientation and the introductory tour of Washington, D.C., being a participant in the Lilies of the Shadow fund-raiser, visiting South Africa with the International Service Learning Program, and bonding with classmates and professors. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR DOCTORAL STUDENTS Christopher St. Vil -Defended May 14, 2012 Dissertation Title: Neighborhood Perception and Risk-Taking Attitudes Among Adolescent and Young Adult Men Advisor: Tricia Bent-Goodley, Ph.D. Venetia Dover - Defended May 30, 2012 Dissertation Title: Factors Influencing Depression among Afro-Caribbean Women Advisor: Jacqueline Smith, Ph.D. Carl L. Algood (pictured right) Defended April 11, 2013 Dissertation Title: Predictors of Quality of Life Outcomes of Africa American Families Raising A Child With A Developmental Disability Advisor: Ruby Gourdine, D.S.W. ~~~ Aisha Bonner -Defended December 4, 2012 Dissertation Title: Bridging the Professional Digital Divide: Comparative Analysis of Technology Usage Behaviors Across the Working Lifespan of Professional Social Workers: A Quantitative Study Advisor: Elizabeth Bertera, Ph.D. Tiffanie V. Jones -Defended March 26, 2013 Dissertation Title: The Impact Of Hypermasculinity On Mental Health Attitudes Among High-Collision Athletes Advisor: Soleman Abu-Bader, Ph.D. Karen Miller -Defended April 15, 2013 Dissertation Title: Examining the Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder on Self-Efficacy Among Female Offenders Advisor: Sandra E. Crewe, Ph.D. Angela Henderson -Defended April 16, 2013 Title of Dissertation: The Impact of Ecological Risk and Ethnic Identity on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in African American Adolescents Advisor: Jacqueline Smith, Ph.D. School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work STAFF NEWS Marian Williams (center), program coordinator for the HUSSW Multidisciplinary Gerontology Center stepped down from her position to become a full time mom. Many remember Mrs. Williams for coordinating the monthly gerontology center’s workshop. On June 19, 2013, Dr. Cudore L. Snell (Dean) and Dr. Sandra Edmonds Crewe (Director of the HU-MGC) presented Mrs. Marian Williams with a plaque to acknowledge her valuable service. Jeannie Petaway-Fields is the new Administrative Assistant for the Office of the Dean. Mrs. Petaway-Fields was formerly the Administrative Assistant with the PhD program. (pictured right) Rahel Tibebu, Administrative Assistant who worked in the Office of Field Education for several years, has accepted a new position in the School of Social Work with Rufus Blackwell, Assistant Dean for Administration. This will enable Mrs. Tibebu to utilize her accounting degree, earned in May 2011. (pictured left) While Mrs. Tibebu transitions to her new position, we welcome Shavon Minter to the staff to work in the Office of Field Education. Ms. Minter comes from the Office of the Registrar. (pictured right) We welcome back Menbere Endale (left) as the new Administrative Assistant for the PhD program. Ms. Endale formerly worked at the School of Social Work. (pictured left) Patricia McDougallMatthews has transferred to Enrollment Management to assist in recruitment and enrollment of students. School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Alumni Focus on Social Injustice With escalating social injustices of racial profiling, stop and frisk, stand your ground laws, voting rights violations, and inequities in the criminal justice system with its two tier sentencing policy, where Black and Brown ethnic groups receive longer and harsher sentences than their white counterparts for similar offenses, it is crucial that social workers adhere to the values of the profession by actively engaging in advocacy for social change to insure basic human rights as suggested in the Code of Ethics (6.04,p27). Alumna & Faculty Shirley I. Wilson, DSW Social injustice is an easier concept to embrace as since the discovery of this country there have been efforts to separate people based upon irrelevant characteristics and these characteristics and beliefs about them continue after centuries of their adoption. Supposedly social justice is at the base of our chosen profession, however, we like our fellow citizens, have not been able to fully embrace the concept social justice. Perhaps now is the time. Professor Ruby Gourdine Human rights are universal. If they are denied to anyone, they are indirectly denied to everyone. This is why we cannot remain motionless in the face of social injustice. Social workers must continue to challenge the systems that cause inequalities, especially for the most vulnerable of humankind. Alumnus Anthony J. Hill, PhD, LICSW, LCSW, ACSW; President-Elect, Metro DC Chapter of NASW Social justice is the idea that in human interactions and social connections equity for all should be a guiding goal. Social workers use their professional, knowledge, skills and values to develop, implement and evaluate practices to achieve this social equity (justice) with an emphasis on marginalized individuals and groups. The practice of social work in social justice efforts recognizes the cultural, historical, political, economic and ideological root forces that create social injustice. Alumnus Dean Darrell Wheeler The discourses of social justice, equality, and advocacy are embedded in both the study and practice of social work. Social workers must take an effective confrontation approach to social injustice by addressing the ways through which power, consciousness, equity, and negotiation can be accomplished on micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Alumna Alexandria Rich School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 An anthropologist proposed a game to the kids in an African tribe. He put a basket full of fruit near a tree and told the kids that whoever got there first won the sweet fruits. When he told them to run they all took each others’ hands and ran together, then sat together enjoying their treats. When he asked them why they had run like that as one could have had all the fruits for himself they said: “UBUNTU, how can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?” Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work ALUMNI INFORMATION FORM (Please use this form to stay in contact with fellow alumni. If your contact information changes, please submit this form. Note: HUSSWAA is going green. Please make sure we have your email address.) ________________________________________________________ Name When Enrolled at HUSSW Name if Different from Above Address City, State, Zip Code Email Address Cell Home Other Year of Graduation BSW_______ MSW _______ DSW _______ PhD_______ HUSSWAA’s dues are used for operating expenses and program planning. Howard University Alumni Association (HUAA) dues enable us to have 501c3 status as an umbrella organization under the auspices of HUAA. Scholarships o Sankofa: $2,500 for 2nd year students o Lucy Diggs Slowe: $5,000 for 1st year second semester students o Book Scholarship: $500 for textbook purchase International Service Learning o Annual fund supports students attending International Service Learning Dues, Scholarships & Projects HUSSWAA Dues ($25.00) HUAA Dues ($35.00) Sankofa Scholarship* Lucy Diggs Slowe Scholarship* Book Scholarship* International Service Learning* Total ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ *Amount donated is by individual choice. Alumni donations are combined for the total scholarship amount. Credit Card Type ___________________________________________________ Credit Card Number ______________________________________Credit Card Security Code ____________ Expiration Date ____________________________________________________ Checks are payable to HUSSWAA ~Program Year is September – June ~Dues – January – December Signature: School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 34 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work Continued from page 34 Additional Alumni Giving Opportunities Signature Gift Designation- Please check the appropriate box. Unrestricted Funds The School of Social Work Annual Fund The School of Social Work Dean’s Discretionary Fund Scholarship Funds The School of Social Work Student Scholarship Fund Mark Battle Endowed Scholarship Mary Woodward, Wentworth English, Jr. & Richard Allyn English Endowed Scholarship Robert and Viola Jefferson Keyes Endowed Scholarship Inabel Burns Lindsay Endowed Scholarship Eva M. Stewart Endowed Scholarship Ernestine B. Lincoln Endowed Scholarship Leo M. Lister Endowed Scholarship Fariyal Ross-Sheriff Endowed Scholarship (Displaced Populations) Olethia Delmar Weathers Endowed Scholarship (Child Welfare) Evelyn L. Green Endowed Scholarship The Dr. Alvis and Deloris Adair Endowed Fund The Dorothy Kennison Endowed Scholarship Fund The Clarice Dibble Walker Endowed Scholarship Fund L.J. Veney, Sr. and Family Endowed Fund Technology Needs $5,000 Technology enhancements to one classroom $25,000 Technology update to one SMART classroom $100,000 Update Technology in all classrooms Scholarships Endowed Scholarships start at $10,000 and up Faculty Support Dorothy M. Pearson Endowed Lectureship John E. and Barbara S. Jacob Distinguished Endowed Professorship $1.5 Million to Name an endowed Department Chair $100,000-500,000 to Name an endowed Distinguished Professorship or Visiting Lecturer Other Other Naming Opportunities Yes, I am interested in meeting with someone about giving more than $10,000 to the School of Social Work. Contact: Armajeanne Harmon, MBA Director of Development 202-238-2353 ~ [email protected] Yes, I am enclosing my donation of $ ____________________ Please make checks payable to Howard University School of Social Work or Name on Credit Card _________________________________________________ Credit Card #_____________________________________ Visa MasterCard American Express Exp. Date __________________CVV Code ______________ Signature: Or donate online at http://www.howard.edu/advancement/forms/givenow.htm School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013 Fall 2013 Howard University School of Social Work School of Social Work 601 Howard Place Washington, DC 20059 School of Social Work Newsletter Fall 2013