SSW News
Visit these various links for the latest news and notes from the School of Social Work
Contact the SSW Communications Office ▾
Matt Conn
Assistant Dean for Communications
410-706-4542
Sandra Little
Graphic Designer
410-706-3525
Miesha Williams
Web Developer
410-706-0340
Mailing Address
525 West Redwood Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
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Institute Launches National Online Resource to Help LGBTQ Youth, Families in the news
November 29, 2021 | As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches into another year, the toll on children, youth, and families has escalated.
Explore the Latest Issue of Connections Magazine in the news
November 18, 2021 | Our online digital magazine for alumni and friends of the UMSSW.
Free Video Series Can Help Kids be ‘Unstuck and On Target’ in the news
November 16, 2021 | What’s the best strategy to help the child respond and avoid a meltdown?
Ringel Named Associate Professor Emeritus by UMB in the news
November 11, 2021 | UMB President Dr. Bruce Jarrell has approved a recommendation from the School of Social Work promoting Shoshana Ringel, MSW, LCSW-C, PhD, to the rank of Associate Professor Emeritus.
Baltimore Ceasefire Weekend is Nov 5-7 in the news
October 29, 2021 | As a Ceasefire site, and in the spirit of the season, we ask our students, faculty, and staff to reflect on the things that make them thankful to live and/or work in Baltimore.
UMB Assistant Dean Featured in Biden Town Hall in the news
October 25, 2021 | When will the vaccines for young children be ready? And how accessible will they be once released?
J.E.D.I. is Social Work Campaign Launched in the news
October 14, 2021 | J.E.D.I is Social Work is an inclusive partnership and campaign among students, faculty, staff, and the community with intentional collaboration around justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
Brenda Jones Harden Helps Lead Nationwide Study of Early Childhood Brain Development in the news
October 11, 2021 | The University of Maryland has been chosen as one of 25 institutions across the country to implement the HEALthy Brain and Child Development study.
Attend an Online Information Session or Chat Opportunity in the news
October 5, 2021 | Come learn more about the School of Social Work, get your application questions answered, and much more at one of our upcoming sessions.
Scholarships Available for Community to take History of Oppression and Resistance Course in the news
October 5, 2021 | The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will be offering limited full and partial scholarships to community members interested in taking the History of Oppression and Resistance course.
DEI Advancements Top School of Social Work Address in the news
October 5, 2021 | As the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, it certainly had a 59th to remember thanks to accomplishments made despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
UMB Unveils Renovated Student Affairs Suites in the news
September 17, 2021 | The Intercultural Center will serve as a field placement site for social work students focused on social identity dialogues.
Social Work’s Fulbright Scholar Heading to Egypt in the news
August 16, 2021 | From an early age, Sarah Dababnah, PhD, MPH, MSW, an associate professor, noticed that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are often treated differently.
Tell Us Your Story - Alumni Oral History Project in the news
August 13, 2021 | The purpose of this project is to capture the lived experiences of our graduates while they attended UMSSW.
Baltimore Ceasefire Weekend August 6-8 in the news
July 27, 2021 | Ceasefire weekend is coming up! How can you support?
Social Work Program Sees Record Low in Infant Deaths in the news
June 30, 2021 | Shania Kerina was pregnant — and homeless — when at least once a week, she received a call from Angelise Shelby, MSW, LGSW, a social worker with B’more for Healthy Babies (BHB).
Study Finds Overrepresentation of LGBTQ+ Youth in Midwest Foster Care in the news
June 17, 2021 | This study is one of the first of its kind to be conducted in a Midwestern state, where available data on LGBTQ+ youth is extremely limited.
SSW Ceremony Feature Less Pomp More Meaning in the news
May 27, 2021 | The School of Social Work, and other UMB schools, celebrate the Class of 2021 in new and meaningful ways.
Social Work Interns to Join UMB Police This Fall in the news
May 27, 2021 | For the past three years, the University of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department (UMBPD) Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST) has made great strides to connect with the communities it serves.
Finigan-Carr Honored with Prevention Research Early Career Award in the news
May 5, 2021 | Nadine Finigan-Carr awarded the Society for Prevention Research Early Career Prevention Research Early Career Preventionist Network’s 2021 John B. Reid Early Career Award.
Baltimore Ceasefire Weekend May 7-9! in the news
April 27, 2021 | The May Ceasefire, held annually on Mother's Day weekend, honors parents who’ve lost children to violence.
Cynthia Park Memorial Child Welfare Lecture April 29 in the news
April 9, 2021 | You are invited to the Cynthia Park, LCSW-C Memorial Child Welfare Lecture and Memorial Celebration of Cynthia’s Life.
Watch the 2021 Homecoming Presentations
April 7, 2021 | Speakers at the 2021 University of Maryland School of Social Work Homecoming Event.
Dr. Denise Pintello Presents at SSW Virtual Homecoming
April 1, 2021 | Evolution of Social Work Research: Amplifying the Scientific Impact and Voices of Social Workers
Remembering Camille Baudot Wheeler in the news
March 25, 2021 | One of our School's earliest graduates, earning her MSW in 1968, Camille was a long-time adjunct faculty member at the SSW.
2021 Alumni Award Winners
March 18, 2021 | The UM SSW Alumni Association, together with Dean Judy Postmus, are proud to acknowledge its graduates who have demonstrated exemplary service to the field of social work
Experts on Our Experience: The Missing Links to Deeper Change in the news
March 17, 2021 | A discussion among leaders with lived experience about systemic efforts to address youth homelessness.
Adams Named UMBrella Champion of the Year in the news
March 15, 2021 | UMB has named Cherita Adams, MBA, MS, Assistant Dean for Administration & Strategic Initiatives at the SSW, as its 2021 winner of its UMBrella Champion of the Year Award.
PhD Alum Sara Sanders named Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa in the news
March 15, 2021 | Sara Sanders, who earned her PhD degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work in 2002, has been name Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa.
Royal racism: experience of Meghan and Harry all too typical among interracial couples in the news
March 15, 2021 | Three UMSSW faculty members, Geoff Greif, PhD, Michael Woolley, PhD, and Victoria Stubbs, MSW co-authored the Op-Ed, "Royal racism"
New Workshops Every Month in the news
March 1, 2021 | The Training Institutes are back, and we are LIVE!
Facing our Past / Transforming our Future in the news
February 17, 2021 | UMSSW’s Homecoming! Celebrating 60 years of UMSSW: Facing our Past / Transforming our Future Friday, March 5th from 9:30 am – 12:15 pm
Alumna Named Director of AmeriCorps State and National in the news
February 12, 2021 | Sonali Nijhawan, a 2010 MSW graduate of the SSW, has been appointed by President Joe Biden as Director of AmeriCorps State and National.
Baltimore Ceasefire Weekend February 5-7! in the news
January 29, 2021 | The School of Social Work is a Ceasefire site. As a Ceasefire site, we ask the School of Social Work community to do three things this week!
New Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity in the news
January 28, 2021 | UMSSW’s Institute for Innovation and Implementation is proud to announce the launch of the new website for the Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity.
Mourning and Remembering Crystal Hardy-Flowers in the news
January 20, 2021 | Crystal Hardy-Flowers, social worker and child care provider in Sandtown-Winchester, dies of COVID-19 complications
Alum Wendy Sherman Nominated As Deputy Secretary of State in the news
January 19, 2021 | School of Social Work MSW graduate Ambassador Wendy Sherman has been nominated by the Biden Administration to serve as Deputy Secretary of State.
Afkinich Honored with 2021 SSWR Outstanding Social Work Doctoral Dissertation Award in the news
January 12, 2021 | Jenny Afkinich, PhD, has been named the recipient of the 2021 Society for Social Work and Research Outstanding Social Work Doctoral Dissertation Award.
The mental health field is overwhelmingly White. SSW helping to change that. in the news
December 10, 2020 | The Healing Youth Alliance was created through a partnership between the Black Mental Health Alliance, the University of Maryland School of Social Work and a Baltimore-based nonprofit organization.
Training Institutes LIVE Virtual Series
December 8, 2020 | We are excited to announce the launch of a FREE monthly Training Institutes LIVE! virtual series. Each month, choose two from four virtual 90-minute workshops focused on integrating services and impro
On the Front Lines: UMB Champions of Excellence Promise Heights Team, School of Social Work
December 8, 2020 | How does a program focused primarily on aiding children and families in West Baltimore conduct its human services work during a pandemic, when in-person interactions are no longer the norm?
Meet Dean Judy L. Postmus in the news
November 5, 2020 | It is our hope that this short video will help you get to know our new dean, her vision, and plans for the School as we all come together to make Baltimore and the world around us a better place.
Ceasefire Black Entrepreneurs Virtual Showcase in the news
November 4, 2020 | Please visit the Showcase website to support Baltimore City Black Entrepreneurs!
Reunification of Families with Children in Foster Care is Focus of SSW Institute Grant Award in the news
October 29, 2020 | Children's Bureau Provides Funding for Establishing a National Quality Improvement Center to Improve Well-being of Families with Children in Foster Care
We Are Hiring Open Rank Faculty Positions in the news
October 27, 2020 | Applications are now being accepted for tenure track faculty positions at the assistant, associate, or full professor level at the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW).
SSW Listed Among Best Universities Addressing Human Trafficking
October 15, 2020 | The 26 Best Universities Fighting Human Trafficking is a list of the best universities located in the U.S. that are studying and fighting human trafficking.
Jodi Frey Pens Article for Harvard Business Review on Using EAP to Address Racism at Work
October 15, 2020 | Jodi Jacobson Frey, PhD, LCSW-C, is the author of an article in the Harvard Business Review that explores how Employee Assistance Programs can help companies address racism at work.
Wasserman appointed to the Maryland State Department of Education’s Inclusion Leadership Team in the news
October 15, 2020 | Kate Wasserman appointed to the Maryland State Department of Education’s Inclusion Leadership Team.
Critical Convos
September 11, 2020 | The “Critical Convo” events look to create dialogue and facilitate conversations on critical topics relating to social work education, research and the role of the profession in the community and...
Thursz Lecture Election Tuesday Series
August 31, 2020 | This series of three events will explore if, how, and why elections matter. If they matter to what purpose? How can elections be used to effect change? What are some of the differences between work...
Graham Receives 2020 NVDRS New Investigator Award in the news
July 14, 2020 | Graham's project will focus on learning more about intimate partner violence-related deaths among young people ages 0–25 years in the United States.
Postmus Begins as Next Dean of the SSW in the news
July 1, 2020 | Postmus Begins as Next Dean of the SSW
Homecoming June 22: Social Work in the Workplace in the news
June 11, 2020 | UMSSW’s Homecoming Goes Virtual! Social Work in the Workplace: Turning the Tables on Critical Conversations Monday, June 22 from 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
Alumni On the Frontlines of COVID-19
June 5, 2020 | We salute and support our alumni on the frontlines: Dolly Huffman Clayton, MSW ‘00, Allison Deitz, LMSW, MSW '18, Amy Greensfelder, MSW '17, Robin McKinney, MSW '01, Sara Johnson, MSW '02, Kendra Van-
An Important Message from UMSSW Dean Richard Barth
June 2, 2020 | I am profoundly and deeply pained by the murders of our African American brothers and sisters. The police shootings of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, George Floyd in Minneapolis, Tony McDade...
Postmus to Lead School of Social Work in the news
April 28, 2020 | On July 1, School of Social Work will have a new dean, Judy L. Postmus. Dr. Postmus is Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development at the Rutgers University School of Social Work.
Series Designed to Support Providers of Children’s Services in the news
April 21, 2020 | The Institute’s series designed to support providers of children’s services.
Dean Barth Delivers 2020 State of the School in the news
April 16, 2020 | Dean Richard Barth took to the web to deliver his final State of the School Address.
Stay Informed on the Coronavirus' Impact on UMB and SSW in the news
March 10, 2020 | Stay Informed on the Coronavirus' Impact on UMB and SSW
POSTPONED: Institute's 15th Anniversary Event and Daniel Thursz Lecture in the news
March 9, 2020 | POSTPONED: The Institute for Innovation & Implementation 15th anniversary event and Daniel Thursz Lecture will be held Thursday, April 2, 2020 at 4 p.m.
New SSW/UMB Research in JAMA Shows Extent of Opioid Issues in Hospice Care in the news
February 13, 2020 | Given the challenges of symptom management during hospice care, patients require responsive opioid prescribing.
POSTPONED: UMSSW’s 14th Annual Homecoming
February 6, 2020 | EVENT POSTPONED: Celebrating 40 Years of EAP: Employee Assistance Education and Research
Greif Inducted Into American Academy of Social Work & Social Welfare in the news
January 16, 2020 | The American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare welcomes 19 new Fellows for the Class of 2020, including the School of Social Work Professor Geoff Greif, PhD.
Shdaimah SSW's Thursz Distinguished Professor of Social Justice in the news
January 8, 2020 | Corey Shdaimah, LL.M., PhD, has been installed as the University of Maryland School of Social Work’s Daniel Thursz Distinguished Professor for Socia
Heather McGhee Highlights Next Thursz Social Justice Lecture in the news
November 25, 2019 | Join us December 2 for a compelling presentation titled "Who Are We As Americans? Confronting Hard Truths and Healing for the Future."
UMB-Haifa Partnership Continues to Thrive in the news
November 25, 2019 | In 2013, University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) President Jay A. Perman, MD, accompanied former Gov. Martin O’Malley on a trip to Israel. It was Perman’s first trip to the Middle Eastern country.
2020 Training Institutes: Register now for early bird savings!
November 15, 2019 | Join 2,000 colleagues in Orlando!
BHWISE Lifespan & BHWISE IOWA Holding Info Sessions for Fellowship Recruitment
November 7, 2019 | The BHWISE Lifespan Fellowship will recruit and train 30 advanced-year MSW students, BHWISE-IOWA will train 11 social work students alongside 4 psychiatric nurse practitioner students and...
School of Social Work Names Prized Professorship in the news
September 20, 2019 | The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) welcomes Brenda Jones Harden, PhD, MSW, as the school’s first Alison Richman Professor for Children and Families.
Search Committee Announced for New UMSSW Dean in the news
September 13, 2019 | A committee has been established to help in the search for a new Dean at the UMSSW.
Rick Barth Announces Plans to Step Down as SSW Dean in the news
August 23, 2019 | I am proud to have been part of the many accomplishments we have achieved together during these years.
The Impact of Drug Court Participation on Mortality in the news
August 13, 2019 | Research Assistant Professor Brook Kearley is the lead author of this new, important research
SSW Receives Major $1.35M Opioid Grant for High-Need Areas
August 13, 2019 | SSW to Train Social Workers, Psych Nurse Practitioners, and Addiction Psychiatrists to Address the Opioid Crisis in High-need Areas
Call for Proposals: The 2020 Training Institutes in the news
August 12, 2019 | #WhatCouldBe: Bolder Systems & Brighter Futures for Children, Youth, Young Adults & their Families
Rick Barth Stepping Down as SSW Dean in the news
July 20, 2019 | I write to share with you that Richard P. Barth, PhD, MSW, dean of the School of Social Work (SSW), has decided to step down by the end of the 2019-20 academic year.
Join Us August 1 for a MSW Information Session in the news
July 19, 2019 | Visit our Baltimore campus to learn about our MSW program!
New MSW Field Seminar Launches This Fall in the news
May 14, 2019 | The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) launches a new field seminar experience for students beginning their MSW course work this fall.
President’s Fellows Propose Steps to Curb Gun Violence in the news
May 2, 2019 | President’s Fellows Propose Steps to Curb Gun Violence
Inspiring Students to Paint Their Own Futures in the news
April 15, 2019 | “One. … Two. … Three. … Let’s paint!” exclaimed Tammatha Woodhouse, the principal of Renaissance Academy High School.
Mikulski to Students: Don’t Give up, Don’t Give In in the news
April 12, 2019 | Former Sen. Barbara Mikulski, MSW ’65, shared her passion for the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW), and advice for new social workers starting out in their careers.
UMB and Promise Heights Students Take a Tasteful Course in Etiquette in the news
April 11, 2019 | The etiquette dinner table gathering invites students from Renaissance Academy High School and the University of Maryland to include good tables manners on their path to success.
Register Now: Child and Family Services Evaluation: Partnerships in the Era of Family First
April 1, 2019 | The members of the National Human Services Training Evaluation Symposium are pleased to announce the 22nd Annual National Human Services Training Evaluation Symposium.
One woman grew up in Brazil eyeing the stars and a career in astronomy. in the news
April 1, 2019 | One woman grew up in Brazil eyeing the stars and a career in astronomy.
US News & World Reports Ranks the UMSSW 17th in the news
March 15, 2019 | The University of Maryland School of Social Work is ranked 17th out of 262 programs surveyed.
School Welcomes Nine New Faculty Members in the news
March 11, 2019 | A diverse and world-class collection of mentors, leaders and educators bring a broad array of experiences and knowledge to the School of Social Work. We are pleased and proud to welcome them all!
Watch the Homecoming Livestream Panel Discussion in the news
March 8, 2019 | Watch the Homecoming Livestream Panel Discussion
Homecoming March 8 - Addressing Addiction in the news
February 12, 2019 | KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Vickie Walters, LCSW, MSW, ’88 Addressing Addiction: Innovations in Substance Use Services
Everything is Wonderful: Dramatic Action - Forgiveness in Community in the news
February 12, 2019 | Join Everyman Theatre in partnership with University of Maryland School of Social Work for an examination of key themes and questions posed by Everything is Wonderful by Chelsea Marcantel.
Institute Partners with Biden Foundation for New LGBTQ Initiative in the news
January 23, 2019 | "As You Are" New LGBTQ Initiative from Biden Foundation and SSW Institute for Innovation & Implementation
PARI & The Healthy Teen Network are spreading Human Trafficking Awareness
January 18, 2019 | The Prevention of Adolescent Risks Initiative and The Healthy Teen Network have teamed up to create Human Trafficking Awareness Resources.
Promise Heights Praised as UMB Wins Award
December 17, 2018 | The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) has honored the University of Maryland, Baltimore, (UMB) as a recipient of the 2018 Mayor’s Business Recognition Award.
School Named HEED Diversity Award Winner
December 6, 2018 | The School of Social Work has been recognized for its commitment to diversity by INSIGHT Into Diversity.
First Cohort Completes Financial Social Work Certificate Program
December 6, 2018 | Congratulations to the first cohort of participants who completed the first Financial Social Work Certificate Program at UMSSW!
Mikulski Talks Social Work Roots, DC Politics in the news
November 30, 2018 | Barbara Mikulski, MSW ’65, was a social worker before launching her legendary and pioneering 45-year political career, but she doesn’t consider it a former job.
Panel Shares Opioid Insights at Baltimore County Forum in the news
November 26, 2018 | During a series of panel discussions on how best to address the opioid crisis, one factor has arisen repeatedly. It is stigma.
Panel in Montgomery County Explores Opioid Solutions in the news
October 31, 2018 | Soon after dozens of people had come together at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) for a panel discussion on the opioid crisis, they heard Maryland’s grim statistics for 2017.
FSWI Founder Woodside Honored by UMB in the news
October 19, 2018 | FSWI Founder Woodside Honored by UMB
UMB States Its Case at Founders Week Gala in the news
October 18, 2018 | “Taking Care of Maryland” was the theme of the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s 23rd annual Founders Week Gala.