years of training social work generalists and advanced practitioners, the school embraced a new mission of producing social work scholars. The first students were admitted in 2006, and in less than a decade, doctoral students and graduates have garnered prestigious fellowships, dissertation awards and positions at a variety of universities and organizations. Dean Phyllis Vroom (left)
The year 2007 saw the introduction of the school’s annual Diversity Lecture, which for the past eight years has examined topics ranging from practice with troubled children, gender and anger, practice with the LGBTQI population, and health disparities. This year also saw the beginning of social work licensing in the State of Michigan, prompting the school to create its Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development. In spring 2010, Vroom was asked to serve as Wayne State’s acting provost, and Professor Cheryl Waites was appointed acting dean of the school.
2003
NASW files an amicus brief in support of Massachusetts decision to legalize samesex marriage, a cause it will continue support up to the Supreme Court’s 2015 landmark ruling extending the right to all gay Americans.
Institute to enhance social workers’ understanding of legal and ethical issues. The association convenes the first Social Work Congress to establish imperatives for the profession,including political engagement and advocating for universal health care.
2005
2006
NASW’s legal defense fund establishes the Social Work Ethics and Law
2008
Kwame Kilpatrick resigns as mayor after pleading guilty to obstruction of justice charges. President Bush announces a $17.4 billion bailout for General Motors and Chrysler on the condition that the firms radically restructure and provide a plan for becoming profitable.
NASW explores the relevance of its 1960 Code of Ethics and future needs for ethics training.
2007
NASW issues guidance on social work’s role in ending institutional racism.
2008
2009
NASW announces support of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to expand health coverage to millions of Americans.
Professor Cheryl Waites publishes Social Work Practice with African American Families: An Intergenerational Perspective.
Professor Arlene Weisz publishes Programs to Reduce Teen Dating Violence and Sexual Assault: Perspectives on What Works.
2009
Chrysler and General Motors declare bankruptcy. Deeming the U.S. auto industry “too big to fail,” the federal government loans $80 billion to the two automakers and auto lending arms Ally Financial Inc. and Chrysler Financial.
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