Board Updates to Membership and Partners

News and Updates

9/29/2025

Deadline to submit public comment is TODAY, September 29, 2025, 11:59pm EDT.

Dear Society for Social Work and Research Members,

The Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) has joined with leading higher education and research organizations in signing an advocacy letter led by the Institute for Progress regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed rule to eliminate “duration of status” (D/S) admissions for international students. The proposed change would replace the current system which allows students to remain in the U.S. for the length of their academic program to fixed admission periods of four years (or in some cases, only two).

This proposal poses significant risks for international students, U.S. universities, and the advancement of social work research. For social work specifically, the implications are profound:

Impact on Social Work Research

  • The average U.S. PhD takes 5.8 years to complete, and often longer in the social sciences. A 4-year admission limit would force repeated extension requests, discouraging international student enrollment and disrupting research continuity.
  • Nearly 40% of PhDs in the social sciences and health are awarded to international students. Reduced enrollment would shrink the research workforce advancing evidence on poverty, child welfare, aging, and health.
  • International researchers bring essential global perspectives, strengthening the impact and applicability of social work scholarship.

Impact on Social Work Education

  • International students comprise about 12% of graduate students in social work programs. Even modest declines in enrollment would harm program viability, particularly at research-intensive universities.
  • Graduate assistants, including international students, support over 25% of undergraduate teaching at research universities. Their absence would increase faculty burdens and reduce mentorship opportunities.
  • Field placements, lasting 9–12 months, could be disrupted by visa renewal uncertainties, undermining agencies, clients, and students’ experiential learning.

Impact on the Social Work Profession

  • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth in social work jobs from 2022–2032, with more than 63,000 new positions expected. International graduates are an important part of meeting this demand.
  • Over 20% of foreign-trained social workers remain in the U.S. post-graduation to serve in high-need communities, including through outpatient therapy and waiver programs. Restrictive policies threaten this pipeline.
  • International collaboration has driven practice innovations in areas such as refugee resettlement and community mental health. This rule risks isolating U.S. social work from global advances.

Impact on Behavioral Health Workforce

  • Social workers provide more than 65% of U.S. mental health services. Reduced international student enrollment would exacerbate workforce shortages.
  • The U.S. already faces a shortage of 14,000 behavioral health providers. International MSW and PhD graduates are essential to filling these gaps, particularly in underserved communities.
  • International social work students, over 25% of whom are bilingual or multilingual, expand linguistic and cultural access, improving care and reducing disparities.

How You Can Advocate

SSWR encourages members to add their voices to this urgent issue. You can:

  1. URGENT: Submit a public comment on the proposed rule at Regulations.gov. Deadline to submit public comment is TODAY, September 29 at 11:59pm EDT. Personal and professional experiences that highlight the importance of international students in your work and institutions are especially valuable.
  2. Contact your elected officials, particularly members of Congress on education, immigration, and health committees, to express how this rule would harm research, education, and the behavioral health workforce.
  3. Use the data provided above in your advocacy. Grounding your comments in evidence about the impact on social work makes them more compelling to policymakers.

SSWR is committed to ensuring that social work research, education, and practice remain inclusive, globally connected, and responsive to the needs of communities. We stand with our international colleagues and students whose contributions are essential to the future of our profession.

Thank you for your advocacy and support.

All the best,

Ramona Denby-Brinson, PhD, ACSW, LMSW
President, Society for Social Work and Research
Dean & Wallace H. Kuralt, Sr. Distinguished Professor
of Public Welfare Policy and Administration
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work

Valerie Arendt, MSW, MPP
Executive Director, Society for Social Work and Research

9/25/2025

Dear Society for Social Work and Research Members,

As Congress moves forward with the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (L-HHS-ED) appropriations bill, key funding decisions are underway that will directly impact social work research and the broader scientific community. The stakes are high, proposed cuts to federal discretionary spending could limit critical resources for research, education, and workforce programs that support our field.

On September 9, the full House Appropriations Committee approved its version of the FY 2026 L-HHS-ED bill. This bill proposes approximately $184.5 billion in discretionary funding, which is a significant decrease—about $13.7 billion below the FY 2025 enacted level. The vote was along party lines, with all Republicans in favor and all Democrats opposed. The House and Senate are proposing different spending plans than the President’s budget. While they both agree on a small funding increase for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and keeping Pell Grant funding the same, they disagree on money for workforce programs.

During the bill’s review, several bipartisan amendments were adopted including ones to preventing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) from running a prior authorization pilot and protecting funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions and GEAR UP to support student success. To view the complete Appropriations Update: House Appropriations Committee Approves FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Funding Bill, from our government relations partner, Lewis-Burke Associates, click on this link.

Given the delays in the annual appropriations process, it is highly unlikely that the House and Senate will finalize a bill before the September 30 deadline. This means a continuing resolution (CR) will likely be necessary to fund the government, or parts of it, until a final funding package is negotiated.

We will continue to monitor the situation and further developments, and keep you informed.

Your engagement and advocacy are critical as these decisions directly affect our ability to advance social work research and practice.

All the best,

Ramona Denby-Brinson, PhD, ACSW, LMSW
President, Society for Social Work and Research
Dean & Wallace H. Kuralt, Sr. Distinguished Professor
of Public Welfare Policy and Administration
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work

Valerie Arendt, MSW, MPP
Executive Director, Society for Social Work and Research

9/25/2025

Dear Society for Social Work and Research Members,

As leaders of the Society for Social Work and Research, we write to you today to provide an important update on a critical issue impacting the future of social work science and to ask for your advocacy. At a time when the federal government’s support for scientific research is under scrutiny, we are working diligently to safeguard the funding that is essential for our field.

One of the most pressing challenges we face is the potential for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) or other federal agencies to arbitrarily cap or limit the reimbursement of indirect costs, also known as Facilities and Administrative (F&A) expenses. While the Trump administration’s efforts to do this have been met with resistance, the threat remains. Such a change would severely jeopardize the core of social work research, potentially delaying or even halting the vital work happening at universities and research institutions across the nation.

In response to this threat, a diverse group of national organizations representing academic, medical, and independent research institutions have come together to form the Joint Associations Group (JAG) on Indirect Costs. JAG’s mission is to develop a more efficient, transparent, and defensible model for how the federal government reimburses research institutions for essential costs. This effort, known as the Financial Accountability in Research (FAIR) Model, seeks to streamline processes and increase transparency, all with the singular goal of ensuring taxpayer dollars are used effectively to advance research that benefits all Americans.

We are pleased to report that our collective advocacy is having an impact. The House and Senate Appropriations Committees have acknowledged the work of the JAG in several of their FY 2026 spending bills and have urged the administration to work with the extramural community before making any changes to F&A support. To build on this momentum, the Society for Social Work and Research has signed a letter to appropriators expressing our dedicated support for the JAG’s work and urging them to strengthen language in the final spending bills.

Now, we need your help. We must continue to work with our government relations partners and Congressional representatives to protect and advance social work research. While federal funding is not our only source of support, it is critical to maintain robust research programs and advancing the work we do on behalf of so many communities and vulnerable populations across the nation.

Please contact your congressional representatives and urge them to support the work of the JAG by:

  • Including appropriations bill language supporting the work of the JAG and the development and implementation of the FAIR model by the Executive Branch.
  • Blocking any federal agency or OMB action to cap or otherwise change existing negotiated F&A rates until they have worked with the stakeholder community to develop a clear plan for implementing a new system based on the FAIR model framework.
  • Ensuring at least a two-year transition period for agencies and institutions to make the necessary changes to an alternative model.
  • Preserving continued support for F&A expenses at existing levels until the new model is fully implemented.

Together, we can ensure the continued funding of critical social and behavioral research that supports social work science and advances our mission. Thank you for your dedication and for taking this important action.

All the best,

Ramona Denby-Brinson, PhD, ACSW, LMSW
President, Society for Social Work and Research
Dean & Wallace H. Kuralt, Sr. Distinguished Professor
of Public Welfare Policy and Administration
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work

Valerie Arendt, MSW, MPP
Executive Director, Society for Social Work and Research

8/19/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Society for Social Work and Research Appoints Valerie Arendt as New Executive Director

Valerie Arendt

The Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Valerie Arendt as its new Executive Director, effective September 8, 2025. Arendt brings over a decade of experience in social work association leadership and a proven track record of strategic growth, operational excellence, and a commitment to elevate the standards of the social work profession.

“We are delighted to announce that Valerie Arendt will be joining the Society for Social Work and Research as our first full-time Executive Director,” said Dr. Ramona Denby-Brinson, President of SSWR. “Valerie is a seasoned nonprofit leader with a proven track record of impact at both the state and national levels. Her work has advanced social policies grounded in evidence-based social work practice and community-engaged research.”

Arendt joins SSWR after serving as the Executive Director for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) North Carolina Chapter from 2018 to 2025. In this role, she led a professional association of over 5,000 members, driving significant strategic direction and organizational growth. Under her leadership, the chapter achieved substantial membership expansion and a strong financial position.

“A passionate advocate for the social work profession, Valerie will propel our mission forward by fostering strategic networks and cross-sector collaborations,” Denby-Brinson continued. “She brings the ideal combination of vision and leadership to navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities facing our profession and higher education. Her compelling strategies for enhancing research capacity and impact resonated strongly with all who engaged with her during our national search. We are enthusiastic about the future of SSWR under Valerie’s visionary leadership.”

Prior to her executive director role, Arendt served as the Associate Executive Director and Director of Membership, Marketing, and Communication for the same NASW chapter. She holds a Master of Social Work and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Minnesota.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Society for Social Work and Research, as I believe research is the foundation of the social work profession,” said Arendt. “I look forward to bringing my experience from the National Association of Social Workers to SSWR, fostering collaboration, and continuing to champion the advancement of our field. At a time when research is increasingly under scrutiny, it is essential that we clearly and compellingly convey SSWR’s contributions to elected officials and policymakers, ensuring they fully understand the profound impact of social work science.”

The SSWR Board of Directors would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the members of the search committee for their diligent work and dedication throughout this extensive process. We wish to thank Armstrong McGuire for their expert guidance and support, which was crucial in identifying and attracting such an exceptional candidate. SSWR also extends its gratefulness to Jennifer Lewis who has served as SSWR’s Executive Director for the past 20 years.

Contact Person:
Ramona Denby-Brinson, PhD, ACSW, LMSW
Dean & Wallace H. Kuralt, Sr. Distinguished Professor
of Public Welfare Policy and Administration
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
School of Social Work
rdenby-brinson@unc.edu

About the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR)

Since 1994, the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) has been a leading voice in advancing social work science. We are a collaborative community that brings together scholars, students, practitioners, policymakers, and community partners to confront society’s most significant challenges.

We champion a diverse range of research methods and build interdisciplinary alliances to generate transformative knowledge. By upholding the highest standards of research excellence, SSWR helps create a more just and equitable world.

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8/6/2025

Dear Society for Social Work and Research Colleagues:

I want to bring to your attention a significant update from Lewis-Burke Associates, the government relations partner of the Society for Social Work and Research.

Appropriations Update: Senate Committee Approves FY 2026 Labor, HHS, and Education Funding Bill

The full Senate Appropriations Committee just approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (L-HHS-ED) bill with strong bipartisan support. This is a big deal, as the bill sets funding for a wide range of critical areas, including biomedical research, public health, education, and workforce programs. It would provide a total of $196.9 billion in discretionary funding for the next fiscal year.

What happens next? The House is expected to take up their version of the bill after they return from their August Recess in September. Given likely delays in the appropriations process, it is unlikely that both chambers will agree on a final L-HHS-ED bill before the current funding expires on September 30. This means we will probably see a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government running until a final funding deal can be negotiated.

We will keep you posted on further developments. Follow this link for more information.

Thank you for your continued commitment to SSWR and your contributions to advancing social work science.

All the best,

Ramona Denby-Brinson, PhD, ACSW, LMSW
President, Society for Social Work and Research
Dean & Wallace H. Kuralt, Sr. Distinguished Professor of Public Welfare Policy and Administration
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work

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7/24/2025

Dear Society for Social Work and Research Colleagues:

I am thrilled to share an important announcement about the future of the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR). Association Executives Group (AEG) will be taking over as our new association management company. This decision comes after careful consideration and a thorough selection process. With their wealth of experience and fresh perspective, AEG will focus on enhancing our financial management, conference deliverables, and membership services—areas crucial for SSWR’s continued growth and success.

This transition provides a moment to reflect on the incredible dedication and management service we have received over the past two decades from Jennifer Lewis and her team (previously employed by STAT and now president of the association management company that bears her name, Lewis LLC). We extend our deepest gratitude to SSWR’s current Executive Director, Jennifer Lewis, our Director of Conference Program and Membership, DeeJay Hastings, and Kristen Reamy, SSWR’s Coordinator of Membership and Awards. For 20 years, their hard work, commitment, and partnership have been instrumental in shaping our organization, supporting our mission, and fostering our community.

The transition process from Lewis LLC to AEG will commence in August and is anticipated to be completed by December. During this period, both Lewis LLC and AEG will work closely with the SSWR Board and staff to ensure a seamless handover of operations. Our goal is to minimize any disruption and maintain the high level of service and support you have come to expect from SSWR.

AEG will also begin working closely with the BrandED Consultants Group, SSWR’s brand, communications, and digital strategy partner, to integrate association management into a refreshed SSWR website and overall brand strategy. This effort will create a more cohesive and improved experience for all members and stakeholders.

These strategic moves directly support the SSWR Strategic Plan, particularly Goal One: Improving SSWR Operational Excellence. AEG’s expertise in conference logistics and membership engagement directly aligns with our objective to deliver more impactful annual conferences and provide greater member value. This partnership is also a direct step toward achieving Goal Two: Strengthening and Diversifying SSWR Membership Composition, Benefits, Engagement, and Conference Experience, enabling SSWR to expand its reach and cultivate leaders in social work science. We will keep you informed of key milestones and any necessary updates to our strategic plan throughout this timeframe.

Finally, you are aware that we are in the final stages of our national search for SSWR’s first full-time executive director. We are close to naming our finalist. We hope to be back in touch with you soon to share an update about the new executive director.

Thank you for your continued dedication to the Society for Social Work and Research. We are confident that the changes we are making and this new partnership with AEG will strengthen our foundation and propel us forward, allowing us to better serve our members and advance social work science. We look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead and appreciate your support as we embark on this new journey.

All the best,

Ramona Denby-Brinson, PhD, ACSW, LMSW
President, Society for Social Work and Research
Dean & Wallace H. Kuralt, Sr. Distinguished Professor of Public Welfare Policy and Administration
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work

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Social Work Advocates Call on Congress to Save GRAD PLUS Loans, Restructure Accountability Framework

June 30, 2025

Congress is currently debating budget and tax legislation that will have significant, negative impacts on the future of higher education. Versions of the budget bill unique to the House of Representatives and Senate include proposals that will reduce student aid availability, particularly at the graduate level.

Both versions of the bill call for eliminating Grad PLUS loans for social work graduate students. Grad PLUS loans are unsubsidized federal student loans that provide students with the flexibility needed to borrow enough money to cover the full cost of attendance at their school, giving them access to a broader range of program options. These loans have fixed interest rates and borrower protections, benefits often missing from other loan programs. And Grad PLUS loans can be eligible for programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which incentivizes students to give back to their communities.

The Senate bill also includes “accountability frameworks” that could limit federal student loan availability for programs based solely on graduates’ earnings. This means that students may not be able to achieve the career they choose simply because Congress thinks it’s not lucrative enough.

If this legislation passes, many students will lose their freedom to choose the future they desire, and fewer students will be able to pursue social work as a career at a time when we desperately need more social workers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that more than 67,000 new social work jobs will be added yearly through 2033. The last thing our country needs is new barriers to social work education.

We, the undersigned, call upon both houses of Congress to eliminate provisions in the budget that will make college less affordable for millions of low-income students and make it harder for Americans to choose the education and career opportunities they want. Grad PLUS loans should be restored. Accountability frameworks should be structured to account for issues that impact social work programs, such as requirements around state licensure and public sector earnings potential. And we urge the members of our respective organizations to make their voices heard and deliver this message personally to their congressional representatives. You can also use action networks from the National Association of Social Workers(Opens in a new window) and the American Council on Education(Opens in a new window).

Signatories: 

  • The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  • American Academy of Social Work & Social Welfare (AASWSW)
  • Social Work Collective to Advance Research: Deans & Directors Group (SCoAR)
  • Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR)
  • The Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD)
  • The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
  • The Board of Directors of the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE)
  • The National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW)

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June 13, 2025

Dear Society for Social Work and Research Colleagues,

In my ongoing commitment to inform you on federal policies impacting the social work profession, social work science, schools of social work, and higher education, I am providing you with this important update from our government relations partner, Lewis-Burke Associates, LLC, : Policy Update: Senate HELP Committee Releases Higher Education Reconciliation Proposal.

The Senate HELP Committee’s Higher Education Reconciliation Proposal introduces significant changes to federal student aid, including potential alterations to Grad PLUS and Parent PLUS loans and shifts in Pell Grant eligibility, which have substantial implications for schools of social work, our faculty, students, and profession. These proposed policy changes could create new financial barriers for students pursuing social work degrees, potentially impacting workforce diversity, and the availability of social workers in underserved communities.

I encourage you to analyze these proposals’ potential effects on student access, program sustainability, and the broader social work workforce. Together, we will continue to advance social work science, uphold the highest standards of research integrity, and make a lasting and positive impact on our profession and the communities we are privileged to serve.

All the best,

Ramona Denby-Brinson, PhD, ACSW, LMSW
President, Society for Social Work and Research
Dean & Wallace H. Kuralt, Sr. Distinguished Professor of Public Welfare Policy and Administration
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work

Policy Update: Senate HELP Committee Releases Higher Education Reconciliation Proposal (PDF)

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April 22, 2025

SSWR President Ramona Denby-Brinson, PhD, ACSW, LMSW

Dear Society for Social Work and Research Colleagues,

As the academic year progresses towards its conclusion, I want to share an update on the Society for Social Work and Research’s (SSWR) strategic plan and address the significant landscape of challenges and opportunities facing higher education and our profession.

The SSWR Board of Directors remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing social work science – our core mission – while diligently safeguarding our collective values, the integrity of our work, and the strength of our scientific community. This includes vigorously defending the best interests of our members and partners against any threats. We firmly believe that a vigorous national social work research association is essential for accurately representing the vital contributions of our profession and the positive impact of our evidence-based efforts. SSWR is resolutely focused on expanding its national and global presence, actively leading critical conversations and initiatives that underscore the indispensable value of social work science in addressing complex social problems.

The SSWR Board of Directors and dedicated Committees are working with unwavering focus to achieve the ambitious goals outlined in our Strategic Plan 2024-2028, which directly aligns with SSWR’s mission, vision, and values of advancing social work science through impactful research.  I extend my sincere gratitude to them and to all of you who have contributed your time and expertise to this crucial endeavor. We are pleased to share the following progress and eagerly invite your continued input, innovative ideas, and active involvement.

Strategic Plan 2024-2028: Implementation Progress

Goal 1: Improve SSWR’s Operational Excellence

A comprehensive national search is underway for SSWR’s next Executive Director. As announced at our 2025 annual conference in Seattle, WA, our esteemed and long-serving Executive Director, Jennifer Lewis, will be stepping down this year. Jennifer’s dedicated leadership over two decades has been pivotal in establishing SSWR as the preeminent research association within our profession, and we are deeply grateful for her service.

To ensure a seamless transition and identify an exceptional successor, SSWR has partnered with Armstrong McGuire, a nationally recognized executive search firm. The incoming Executive Director will play a critical role in shaping the future of our organization, collaborating closely with the Board, our diverse membership, and our national and global partners. We strongly encourage you to share this important opportunity within your professional networks and across relevant social platforms. The detailed description is available at Executive Director Position Profile.

Furthermore, SSWR is strategically implementing a new operating and management infrastructure to enhance our efficiency and effectiveness. Thanks to our sustained efforts to grow SSWR’s revenues and assets, we have made significant investments in hiring full-time professionals to lead and manage our core operations. The new Executive Director will assume a full-time, dedicated role, working in close partnership with our Director of Membership and Conference, whose position will also transition to full-time. To provide robust administrative, financial management, accounting, information technology, membership support, and annual conference support, the Board is in the final stages of contracting with a leading national association management company specializing in higher education and professional associations, selected after a rigorous competitive bidding process.

SSWR is confident that these transformative changes to our operations and infrastructure will significantly enhance our capacity to serve our members and advance our collective work. The transition of leadership and the onboarding of the new Executive Director and management team are strategically planned for late summer.

I am also pleased to acknowledge the fully seated SSWR Board of Directors, a truly dedicated and hardworking group of individuals representing the best of our profession: President-elect, Dean Kirk Foster, University of Texas Arlington; Vice President, Dr. Hyeouk “Chris” Hahm, Boston University; Vice President-elect, Dr. Rocío Calvo, Boston College; Past Vice-President, Dr. Mary Olmer, University of Pittsburgh; Secretary, Divisional Dean David Becerra, Boise State University; Treasurer, Dr. Virginia “Ginny” Ramseyer Winter, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; Early Career Director-at-Large, Dr. Justin Harty, Arizona State University; Student Director-at-Large, Ms. Fatima Mabrouk, Doctoral Candidate New York University; Director-at-Large, Director Joan Blakey, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; Director-at-Large, Dr. Karen Bullock, Boston College; Director-at-Large, Dr. Tamara Cadet, University of Pennsylvania; Director-at-Large, Dr. Kelli Canada, University of Missouri; Director-at-Large, Dr. Shuang Lu University of Central Florida, and our five newly elected Directors-at-Large: Dr. Adrienne Baldwin-White, Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Youseung Kim Clark Atlanta University, Dr. Joyce Lee, The Ohio State University, Dr. Abha Rai, Loyola University Chicago, and Dr. Samantha Teixeira, Boston College. This exceptional group will guide SSWR through the 2025-2026 term.

Goal 2: Strengthen and Diversify SSWR Membership Composition, Benefits, Engagement, and Conference Experience

Planning for SSWR’s landmark 2026 annual conference is well underway. Scheduled for January 14-18, 2026, this conference marks SSWR’s 30th annual conference anniversary – a significant milestone for our association. The conference theme, Leading for Transformative Change: Aligning Social Work Science with Policy and Practice, underscores our commitment to ensuring that rigorous research informs effective solutions to pressing social issues. Dr. Chris Hahm of Boston University and the dedicated conference planning committee are working diligently to curate a program that showcases the most impactful and innovative work in our field. The overwhelming response, with nearly 2,600 abstracts received and currently under review, demonstrates the vibrant engagement and commitment of our members to convene, network, foster professional growth, and engage in critical dialogue grounded in the best of social work science.

Beyond our annual conference, SSWR’s Board remains committed to diversifying and expanding our educational and research dissemination efforts through year-round summits, webinars, and other convenings. We are actively planning our inaugural international summit for the summer of 2027, an initiative spearheaded by a special planning group led by Dr. Shuang Lu of the University of Central Florida, in collaboration with esteemed research partners at various international universities. We anticipate sharing further details about this exciting development in the coming months.

Goal 3: Advance Individual and School Members’ Research Capacity and Skills to Inform Solutions to Complex Social Problems

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, shaped by new federal, state, and university-level compliance policies, the importance of social work research has never been more critical. As a united social work community, we must intensify our efforts to gather evidence, educate one another, develop strategic responses, and champion the advancement of rigorous social work research. Our proactive response to these challenges requires sustained and multifaceted action, including: (1) the provision of regular and informative communications and updates regarding federal developments and their potential impact on social work research; (2) a clear and compelling articulation of the inherent value of social work research, its profound impact on society, and its intrinsic connection to our core professional values and ethical principles; (3) the strategic sharing of vital resources, including a comprehensive catalog of ongoing educational opportunities such as webinars and toolkits designed to equip students, faculty, social work leaders, community partners, and university officials with the essential information and knowledge to advance their research programs and careers amidst uncertainty; and (4) maintaining a strong and unified voice to advocate for the critical importance of social work research and the communities we serve.

Recognizing the urgency of these issues, SSWR has established a dedicated taskforce co-led by Dr. Mary Ohmer of the University of Pittsburgh and Dr. Justin Harty of Arizona State University. This taskforce is actively engaging SSWR Fellows and our government relations partners to develop effective strategies. Their immediate focus is on our next webinar, which will be of value to early career professionals and those who provide mentorship and support for their work. The taskforce is also developing broader advocacy strategies to defend SSWR’s integrity, image, and reputation, countering any government threats and misinformation that could undermine social work research and its impact. If you are passionate about these issues and wish to contribute your expertise, we warmly welcome your involvement in this vital taskforce.

Goal 4: Enhance SSWR Communications and Publications

In December, we welcomed Rex Whisman of the BrandED Consultants Group as our new communications and marketing consultant. Rex is leading a two-phase strategic communications and marketing plan aimed at strengthening SSWR’s brand, developing more effective strategies for communicating the significant impact of social work research, and translating research findings into meaningful policy and practice opportunities. Currently, Rex and his team are developing SSWR’s first brand platform and are actively testing draft concepts with both members and non-members to ensure broad resonance and impact. To date, 135 stakeholders have engaged in the process, in person or online. We extend our sincere thanks to those who have participated in this important process thus far, sharing invaluable insights and feedback regarding SSWR’s brand reputation, our core value propositions, and recommended communication strategies. At the same time, the BrandED team is engaged in the early stages of refreshing the SSWR website.

In the coming weeks and months, you will be hearing more from SSWR’s revitalized Communications Committee, expertly led by our new Director-at-Large, Dr. Youseung Kim of Clark Atlanta University. We encourage you to be on the lookout for exciting enhancements to our website, a strengthened presence in media and social media channels, consistent and informative communications, and updates, and much more as we work to amplify the reach and impact of social work research.

Integration of Grand Challenges for Social Work 

In addition to the progress of our strategic plan, I want to remind you of another important development. During the 2025 annual conference opening plenary in Seattle, WA, Dr. Carrie Pettus, Chair of the Grand Challenges for Social Work Executive Committee, and I, had the pleasure of announcing the integration of SSWR and the GCSW. The integration process will take place over the course of this year to ensure that GCSW is effectively assimilated into SSWR’s annual conference, journal, infrastructure, and culture. This collaboration enables SSWR to expand its ability to translate social work science into practice, policy, and community impact, while providing greater visibility and a sustainable platform for the Grand Challenges for Social Work. I hope you will join us at the 2026 SSWR annual conference when we celebrate the 10th anniversary of GCSW, and stay tuned for further progress on this important initiative.

Thank you for your unwavering support and profound dedication to the Society for Social Work and Research. Together, we will continue to advance social work science, uphold the highest standards of research integrity, and make a lasting and positive impact on our profession and the communities we are privileged to serve.

All the best,

Ramona Denby-Brinson, PhD, ACSW, LMSW
President, Society for Social Work and Research
Dean & Wallace H. Kuralt, Sr. Distinguished Professor of Public Welfare Policy and Administration
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work

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