Associate Professor Richard Smith, PhD received an honorable mention at the 2020 Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference. Smith received the 2020 Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Excellence in Research Award honorable mention for his article entitled "Aging in Place in Gentrifying Neighborhoods: Implications for Physical and Mental Health" published in the Gerontologist. In conferring the award the Society recognized Smith's outstanding social work research that represents the highest of scientific standards and advances social work knowledge.

Smith collaborated with Amanda Lehning, PhD, Assistant Professor at The University of Maryland at Baltimore and Kyeongmo Kim, PhD, currently an Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University on the article. Smith and his fellow authors explored the consequences for older adults, particularly low-income older adults who may lack the resources to relocate and therefore are stuck in place, who remain in a gentrifying neighborhoods. The study found that although gentrification may induce stress, it may also bring investments that benefit the health of low-income older residents. Findings from the study call attention to the complexity of gentrification, and the need for more research examining how the intersection of neighborhood and individual characteristics influences older adults' health. Results also reinforced the need for neighborhood-level interventions, as well as relocation support to promote health in later life, and caution against an overemphasis on aging in place. Read the article

Associate Professor Carolyn Dayton, PhD, LP, LMSW, IMH-E®(IV) was recently selected to chair the development of the CSWE Curricular Guide for Infant and Early Childhood mental Health and Developmental Neuroscience, Work Group 6: IMH Engagement with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities. In addition to chairing this national workgroup, Dayton holds a joint appointment at the Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute for Child and Family Development where she serves as the Associate Director of the Infant Mental Health Program.

Associate Professor Tam Perry, PhD, has been appointed President of the Association for Gerontology Education in Social Work (AGESW). AGESW provides leadership in the areas of gerontological social work education, research, and policy, and fosters cooperation, collegiality, and an exchange of ideas among social work educators, researchers, and students committed to or interested in gerontology.

Academic Services Office III, Shantalea Johns, has been selected as the recipient of the 2019-20 Professional Achievement Award by the WSU Academic Staff Professional Development Committee (ASPDC). This is the highest honor distributed by the ASPDC. Johns received the Outstanding Contributor Award from the ASPDC in 2018. She is a first-generation college student from Detroit's east-side and is an alum of the School. Johns will receive her award at Provost Whitfield's Academic Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, April 23, 2020.

MSW student Ckandy Mendoza was selected for the Graduate Ambassador Program at Wayne State. Mendoza stated she is excited to represent Social Work and create positive relationships with new students, share experiences, be a mentor, and help expand the Warrior Community. Graduate Programs Outreach Specialist Shantelle Cavin is photographed with Mendoza and guides the Ambassador Program.

The Wayne State University School of Social Work is proud to announce the Fall 2019 Dean's List of 147 BSW students who have achieved at least a 3.75 grade point average. Congratulations to these Social Work Warrior Students! View the list of recipients

Nearly 30 Social Work Warrior students were inducted into the National Honors Society - Omicron Omicron Chapter, which provides opportunities for comradery among social work students while promoting humanitarian goals and ideas. Phi Alpha extends membership to social work students who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement. Thank you to the organizers, supporters and hard-working students who attended the induction ceremony. View event photos