University of Alabama School of Social Work
ANNUAL REPORT
2022-2023 Collaborate. Innovate. Transform.
The UA School of Social Work is dedicated to training the leading Social Work Professionals of tomorrow.
Teaching. Advocating. Making A difference.
TABLE OF CONTENTS A message from the Dean
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New Roles at The School of Social Work
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Our strategy and mission
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Rankings, Facts. & Figures
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Our Students Span the World
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Research
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Year in Review
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Advancement
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Mission Statement The University of Alabama’s School of Social Work prepares scholar-practitioners and researchers committed to ending adverse social conditions and promoting societal well-being through teaching, research and service.
Editor Ambre Adams
Writer Ambre Adams
Designer Ambre Adams
Dean & Professor Schnavia Smith Hatcher
The University of Alabama School of Social Work | 670 Judy Bonner Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 | SocialWork.UA.edu
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#UASSW The University of Alabama School of Social Work
A Message from dean dr. schnavia Smith Hatcher Dear members of The University of Alabama School of Social Work community, I am delighted to present the School’s Annual Report, celebrating our achievements and looking ahead with great enthusiasm. As we reflect on the past year, it is evident that our commitment to excellence in education, student advocacy, and professional development continues to flourish.
their global perspectives. These experiences not only enhance their personal growth but also enrich their professional development, preparing them for the complex challenges of the modern world. These internships have taken place in Spain, Ghana, Guatemala, Dublin, and many more locations worldwide.
Our students exercised their dedication to positive change and #ChangingTidesThroughSocialJustice through their participation in the annual Washington DC Policy and Advocacy Fly-In. This program empowers future social work leaders to engage with policymakers and advocate for policies that advance social justice and equity within our communities. The 2023 trip included a record number of attendees, and we predict this number will continue to increase during the upcoming years.
Our field placement program remains a cornerstone of our curriculum, providing students with real-world experiences that bridge theory and practice. Through these placements, our students continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities, reinforcing the vital role of social work in our society.
Furthermore, our students have embraced international internships, gaining invaluable cross-cultural experiences and expanding
As we look forward to the future, we are excited about the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead. The University of Alabama School of Social Work is committed to innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in education. We are dedicated to equipping our students with the knowledge and skills
2023 MSW Graduates cross the stage
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they need to create positive change in an ever-evolving world. I would like to express my gratitude to our dedicated faculty, staff, students, and partners for their unwavering support and commitment to our mission. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for the field of social work. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and I look forward to the continued success and growth of our School.
Sincerely,
Schnavia Smith Hatcher Dean, School of Social Work The University of Alabama
Collaborate. Innovate. Transform
Home Sweet Little Hall
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new Roles at the SSW Tania Alameda-Lawson, Ph.D., MSW DSW Program Director, Associate Professor
Amie Brunson, DSW, LMSW Clinical Assistant Professor (Assistant Professor of Practice)
Courtney Chapman Thomas, MSW Field Education Director
Curtis Davis, PhD, LMSW Assistant Professor
Jennifer Davis Rhodes, LICSW-S, PIP Instructor
Dalila John, DSW MSW Program Director, Clinical Assistant Professor (Assistant Professor of Practice)
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Dione King, Ph.D., MSW Associate Professor
Hyunjune Lee, MSW Assistant Professor
Lindamarie Olson, LMSW Assistant Professor
Jade A. Scales, LICSW Instructor
Uraina L. Scott, DSW, Clinical Assistant Professor (Assistant Professor of Practice)
Amy Crunk Traylor, Ph.D, MSW Washington D.C. Practicum Program Coordinator
Sherron Wilkes, DSW, MSW BSW Program Director, Clinical Assistant Professor (Associate Professor of Practice)
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OUR STRATEGY AND mission
University of Alabama School of Social Work Strategic Plan 2022-2027 Goal 1 - Education: Offer distinctive curricular programs that provide our students with an exceptional learning experience to prepare them as global citizens.
Goal 2 - Research & Scholarship: Cultivate interdisciplinary, community-engaged, research-based knowledge to address social problems, transform lives and develop solutions & future researchers that change our world for the better.
Goal 3 - Culture & Diversity: Promote a healthy, diverse, inclusive environment to support the contributions of diverse leaders with distinctive ideas within the discipline and to promote the overall wellbeing of our faculty, staff and students.
Goal 4 - Community Service & Outreach: Become leaders of social justice and progressive change through partnerships with local, national and global organizations.
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our mission The University of Alabama’s School of Social Work prepares scholar-practitioners and researchers committed to ending adverse social conditions and promoting societal well-being through teaching, research and service. 1
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Teaching We provide students with a highquality educational experience to prepare them to become tomorrow’s global leaders in the social work field. Our innovative degree programs are designed to produce social workers for today’s workforce. Research Our students and highly distinguished faculty researchers use innovation in the classroom and interdisciplinary, research-based knowledge to address social problems, transform lives and develop solutions that change our world for the better.
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Service We provide resources and leadership by partnering with individuals, families, groups, community agencies and organizations at all levels. Our goal is to improve the delivery of social services, with an emphasis on public social services.
3 MT Presentation
HICA Visit
Students attend City Hall
Doctoral student, Aluana Reckly, presents her thesis on Employment and Quality of Life for Individuals with Down Syndrome at the Three Minute Thesis.
BSW Field Coordinator and Chief Diversity Officer, Shayla Smith and Distance Online Coordinator Amy Mclean, join student Micaela Oer on a visit to HICA.
Instructor Karen Thompson Jackson and her students attend the Tuscaloosa city hall meeting to advocate for their community.
CULTURE & DIVERSITY
COMMUNITY SERVICE
RESEARCH
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Rankings, Facts, & Figures How we ranked through the year Continuing the strive for excellence.
U.A. SSW’s Dedication to student Success Fostering skilled professionals. UA’s School of Social Work is dedicated to the success of our students and to pursuing excellence in social work education. Here are a few reasons why our students, faculty and staff take pride in our School and reputation for ensuring our graduates are well prepared to excel in the field.
The University of Alabama School of Social Work, shines as a devoted symbol of excellence, fostering student achievement. Our commitment to promoting extraordinary graduates is evident in our impressive rankings and recognition. Securing the 28th spot among the Best Graduate Schools in the U.S. and 18th among public graduate schools, as per U.S. News & World Report, highlights our prestige. We also rank 25th for an Affordable Online Master’s in Social Work, recognized by AffordableColleges.com. Our school’s reputation extends to its toptier placements nationally, with a notable standing in the Top 50 Master of Social Work Programs in the U.S. by College Choice. The SSW’s dedication to innovative online education is affirmed by our remarkable Top 25 Online Master in Social Work ranking. Accommodating 644 students and with 75% of MSW students studying remotely, Our school adapts well to modern learning. As Alabama’s sole institution offering Bachelor, Master, Doctoral, and Ph.D. degrees in social work, The University of Alabama School of Social Work stands as a cornerstone of regional social work education. These achievements underscore our commitment to both quality education and accessibility.
Phi Alpha Honors Society Induction Phi Alpha, Bachelors of Social Work honors society, inducts its new 2023 members. These students pose with certificates.
Additional highlights for the SSW include our impressive 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which fosters personalized attention, and our diverse student body, with 38% representing
Preparing to ADVOCATE Students attending the University of Alabama School of Social Work 2023 Annual DC Fly-In prepare to advocate with federal represeentatives.
2023 Spring Graduates
various backgrounds. Student makeup for the year included 30% African American and 10.5% male students. Community impact thrives with 11 social work student organizations and an astonishing 191,450 annual hours of community service. Financial support for the year is strong, with $5.3 million in endowments, including $2.8 million for scholarships. The U.A. School of Social Work epitomizes educational excellence, commitment, and inclusivity in shaping the future of social work. Our numerous accolades and distinct contributions solidify our leadership in empowering students and advancing social welfare principles.
19:1 Student:Faculty Ratio
191,450 hours annual community service
28th
25th
Best MSW Program
Affordability Ranked 25th Nationally for Affordable Online Master’s
Best Graduate School in the U.S. and 18th Among Public Graduate Schools — U.S. News & World Report
$5.3 Million
Top 25
total endowments $2.8 million of this amount is in scholarship endowments
Online msw Ranked in the Top 25 Online Master in Social Work — College Choice
38% Students Identify as From Diverse Backgrounds
Rankings, Facts & Figures University of Alabama School of Social Work rankings, facts & figures displayed over a photo of Denny chimes framed by red flowers.
644 total students
OUR STUDENTS SPAN THE world
UA SSW Students Studying Abroad in Guatemala.
REGIONS where UA SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS HAVE studied
$23 Million
2 RESEARCH INSTITUTES
Total in External Research Funding
Dr. Catherine “Cady” Carlson is an Assistant Professor of social work who has focused her career on advancing violence prevention and evidence-based mental health care for women and children in Uganda. Dr. Carlson has partnered with Raising Voices, a community-based organization in Uganda dedicated to anti-violence activism for women and children across the globe.
96 Peer Reviewed Articles
Research Areas of expertise - Dementia - Health disparities - School social work - Palliative care - Behavioral health - TechnologyServices
- Substance abuse - HIV/AIDS - Rural health - Child welfare - Human trafficking - Mental health
Many of our faculty members engage in collaborative research with students and present their research findings at state and national conferences. Our faculty researchers also are editors of major journals and routinely publish scholarly articles in national publications, bringing recognition to the School and the University. For their commitment to excellence in research, our faculty members have consistently earned prestigious national and University honors and awards.
program highlights 1
TOP 5 FUNDING AGENCIES - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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- U.S. Department of Justice - Health Resources and Services Administration
Conference Presentations
- National Institutes of Health - Alabama Department of Youth Services 2
ACADEMIC JOURNAL - The Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life and Palliative Care
SSW Students present at URCA 2023 15
SSW Year in review
University of Alabama school of social work faculty and staff are recognized at our annual faculty and staff awards Dr. Curtis Davis receives the Faculty Award For Research, Teaching, or Service.
Faculty and staff partner with United way of west al and volunteer at holt elementary school
Faculty and Staff pictured with Holt Elementary School Principal, Mrs. Crawford.
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Record Student Particpation
2023
Dr, Pamela Payne-Foster Receives the 2023 Buford Peace award
60 for 60 The SSW hosts reception honoring Dr. Harold Shambley’s 60 for 60 recognization.
School of Social Work Dean, Dr. Schnavia Smith Hatcher, Faculty, and Staff pose with Dr. Shambley and his family.
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Record The 2023 Annual DC Policy and Advocacy Fly-In had our largest group attendance to date.
DC Fly-In students trained in policy and advocacy before meeting with state representatives like Terri Sewell (pictured left) to advocate for their communities.
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2022 Homecoming at Little Hall
University of Alabama School of Social Work alum, faculty, staff, and friends gathered in Little Hall’s front lawn for a thrilling pre-homecoming game event.
2022
Alabama Social Work Hall of fame hosted by the school of social work
The 2022 Alabama Social Work Hall event introduced three new exceptional members. Carolyn Lapsley, Wayne Sellers, and Dr. Rebecca Turner were the latest inductees into the Hall of Fame. The honorees are pictured here with UA President Dr. Stuart Bell and UA School of Social Work Dean Dr. Schnavia Smith Hatcher.
$6.3M in transformative learning opportunities for our students
Advancement The Tide is Rising in the School of Social Work — our priorities for the Rising Tide Capital Cam-
paign center around impacting our students, faculty, and community. With three years to go in our campaign, we have seen tremendous success. This impact is not possible without our tremendous donor support. We have received nearly 2,700 gifts from 800 donors, totaling more than $6.3 million in transformative learning opportunities for our students and support for our faculty and community. Our campaign totals include $4 million for student scholarship support, $2 million for faculty support, and $1 million for program support, including various field placement opportunities for our students. This year’s 24-hour April Bama Blitz Campaign mission was to support our Washington DC Fly-In Program. This three-day immersive learning opportunity allows students to travel to Washington, D.C., to speak with agencies and politicians to advocate for the various causes they are passionate about. With your help, we raised over $17,000 and will be able to support more than 50 students attending the fly-in.
Sharon Hyatt, Sebrena Jackson, Sharon Jay, Maurice Kahlmus, Jim and Ann Langley, Elizabeth Lary, Allison Leitner, Amy Mansue, Angela McClintock, Ginger McGaughy, Amy McClain, Sharon Morris, Fran Oneal, Nancy Payne, Tina Peterson, Carroll Phelps, Bob Pierce, Miller Piggott, Jim Ray, Harold Reynolds, Bonnie Riley, Wayne Sellers, Ginger Shofner, Hope Skelton, Brenda Smith, Shayla Smith, Megan Stewart, Karen Thompson-Jackson, Amy Traylor, Peggy Trosper, Carrie Turner, Tony Walker, Kathryn Wallace, Vickie Whitfield, Sherron Wilkes. We would like to thank all our supporters again for helping us impact the next generation of social workers. Roll Tide!
Sincerely, Taylor Mooney Associate Director of Development
We would like to extend a special thank you and Roll Tide to all of our Bama Blitz Donors: Maurice Adams, Ambre Adams, Gabrielle Angelillo, Connie Arnwine, Linda Bibb, Nancy Blankstein, Margaret Bonham, Martha Bozeman, Phillip Browning, Amanda Bulls, Danny Burns, Rockne Burroughs, Mikel Calderon, Dana Calhoun, Catherine Carlson, Karen Clements-Crunk, Lawrence Cottle, James Curtis, Shuryvonne Dixon, Maryanne Fong, Kimberly Gibson, John Gilmer, Charles Gleaton, Darcel Green, Dean Schnavia Hatcher, Vicki Hatcher, Sandra Hopkins, Laura Hopson,
Scan to give and view SSW funds or visit SocialWork.ua.edu
Collaborate. Innovate. Transform
The University of Alabama School of Social Work Box 870314 Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0314
Telephone: (205) 348-7027 Fax: (205) 348-9419