Wayne State School of Social Work announces 2025 Teaching and Service Award recipients
For 90 years, the Wayne State University School of Social Work has been committed to quality teaching and community engagement that encourages cultural humility, benefits the community, and pays attention to social, economic, and environmental justice. In support of this mission, we annually call on students, faculty, and staff to nominate faculty and staff for teaching and service awards.
Each year, our students nominate full-time and part-time professors who exemplify excellence in the classroom. These nominees are not just great social workers—they also have a unique gift for communicating the essential concepts of social work practice and research in a way that makes them exciting, accessible, and memorable so their students draw upon them for years to come.
Social Work Teaching Awards
Megan Hicks, PhD, MS is an assistant professor, and previously, she served as a post-doctoral research fellow in the School of Social Work. She received her PhD in Human Development and Family Science from the University of Georgia. Her primary research interests include risk and protective factors influencing health risk behaviors and juvenile justice outcomes among Black youth. In particular, her work investigates adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), community risk factors, and relational protective factors that impact healthy youth development. Additionally, Hicks has expertise in program evaluation, prevention science, and community education. Additionally, she is leading a project that examines the social determinants of health among Black families in Detroit. Lastly, Hicks specializes in complex quantitative research methods and research design.
Hicks' colleagues nominated and selected her for the 2025 Inclusive Teaching Award due to her deeply ingrained commitment to fostering a learning environment where all students feel valued and empowered. Her pedagogical approach is intentionally rooted in trauma-informed and anti-racist principles, demonstrating a profound belief in her students' potential. Hicks actively cultivates a classroom culture grounded in restorative practices, creating a safe and trusting space conducive to meaningful learning and conflict resolution. Furthermore, she demonstrates a remarkable dedication to understanding and accommodating diverse learning styles, as evidenced by her tailored approach to meeting the needs of students with disabilities through varied instructional methods like incorporating videos and providing recorded analyses. This student-centered approach extends beyond academic instruction, as Dr. Hicks prioritizes the holistic well-being of her students by incorporating regular check-ins and offering invaluable mentorship.
Beyond her classes, Hicks's impact resonates throughout the School of Social Work. She has promoted inclusivity by spearheading a school-wide Town Hall focused on community healing and contributing her expertise to the Committee on Teaching Excellence to guide colleagues in adopting restorative practices. Her dedication to continuous improvement as an instructor is evident through her engagement with the Office of Teaching and Learning and her thoughtful application of inclusive strategies in her courses. Her multifaceted efforts, both within and beyond the classroom, solidify Dr. Hicks as an outstanding role model, and an inspiring leader for inclusive education within the School of Social Work.
Fay Keys, DL, MSW is an associate professor, clinical, and education technology coordinator. Keys came to Wayne State University from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, where she completed her post-doctoral studies funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. In addition to her online teaching duties, Keys serves as the Coordinator of Education Technology. She works with faculty, staff, and students to develop sophisticated learning environments incorporating advanced technologies. She is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating new technologies for teaching and learning in the School of Social Work. Keys mentors new online faculty and trains experienced ones in the latest online instructional methods. Her current research concerns the impact of various approaches to online learning and teaching. Additionally, her research centers on behavioral addictions (i.e., casino gambling), risk-taking, and antisocial behaviors of urban elders.
Keys' colleagues nominated and selected her for the 2025 Inclusive Teaching Award due to her commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment that allows students from diverse backgrounds to thrive. Her nominators highlight her unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive, and empowering learning environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. One student notes, "Dr. Keys has gone above and beyond being an instructor who rightfully deserves to be recognized for all the lives she has been able to touch throughout her career." Keys integrates diverse perspectives and ethical frameworks into her curriculum, ensuring students are exposed to a rich body of knowledge. Her classroom fosters respectful dialogue and addresses systemic disparities, creating a space where everyone feels valued. Her teaching philosophy underscores the importance of merging academic rigor with an inclusive environment.
Proactive strategies like weekly check-ins and personalized feedback are transformative for her students, who describe her as an encouraging presence. Her innovative use of technology to create equitable digital learning spaces and her leadership in promoting online learning accessibility further underscores her dedication to reaching all students effectively. Moreover, her focus on students' emotional well-being, informed by her research on student wellness and self-care, highlights a deep understanding of the barriers that can hinder learning, particularly for marginalized students. One student gratefully shared, "Dr. Keys is accessible, encouraging, welcoming, and inclusive. During the course I have felt she is my personal cheerleader."
Deirdre Laney-King, LMSW, is a part-time faculty member at the WSU School of Social Work, working full-time as director for the Center for Excellence at The Guidance Center in Wayne County. Deirdre received dual undergraduate degrees from Wayne State University in Sociology and Women's Studies and MSW from the University of Michigan School of Social Work, where they have served as a Member of the Dismantling Oppression Advisory Board since 2021. Deirdre's professional experience has been concentrated in three areas: 1) Administration of public mental health services, including community-driven approaches to quality improvement; 2) Outpatient clinical practice specializing in individuals with diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE); and 3) Social work education with a concentration in anti-oppressive practices. Deirdre has also been actively involved in policy development, strategic planning, quality improvement, community education, and committee work at local, county, and state levels. Their recent work with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services included expanding evidence-based practice options that serve as alternatives to locked and involuntary care settings for children in the public mental health system.
King was nominated for the 2025 Teacher of the Year Award for their kindness and dedication to their students' advancement inside and outside the classroom. Professor King was described as having an unwavering commitment to fostering a welcoming and safe classroom environment that inspires open dialogue, resulting in students learning valuable lessons about diverse perspectives beyond textbook knowledge. A student noted that Professor King's influential teaching style has left a lasting impression on them as they continue to apply lessons learned in their daily life. A student also expressed gratitude for King's mentorship and guidance in navigating career opportunities, further highlighting the profound impact of this exceptional teacher.
Social Work Service Award
Tom Romito, MA, is a student success coach who provides a support system and seeks to increase engagement for all students, specifically those in the WOW program. Before coming to Wayne State University, Romito was a social studies teacher at Lake Orion High School for nearly 30 years. He has also taught as a part-time faculty member at Oakland Community College and Oakland University. In each of those roles, he has worked to engage students and help them construct knowledge and meaning. Romito draws upon his extensive experience working with a diverse range of students to foster connections and partnerships among the students and the broader campus community. He also serves as a bridge between the students and the wide range of resources the university provides.
Romito’s colleagues nominated him for the 2025 Service of the Year Award because he exemplifies the spirit of dedication as a BSW Success Coach, providing invaluable support to BSW students as they navigate their assignments and personal challenges. His proactive engagement ensures that students receive comprehensive support, which has led to a notable improvement in student success in their courses. Romito understands that students are complex individuals, allowing him to offer personalized, open-ended support that fosters deeper reflection and planning. In addition to coaching, Romito frequently participates in recruitment events and volunteers for various student activities, demonstrating his commitment beyond his primary duties. Colleagues find him approachable, kind, and insightful, contributing to a positive working atmosphere.