SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2011
PhD PROGRAM
EXPANDS to Farrah Hall COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Program UPDATES
Primarily
ONLINE Program Draws Huge Response
TORNADO
RELIEF EFFORTS
WOW PROGRAM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
Tornado Relief
Primarily Online Program
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DC Program
9
11
Message from the Dean ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1 Academic Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Community Engagement ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6
OutReach
is published by The University of Alabama School of Social Work Box 870314, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0314 Dr. Lucinda Roff, Dean Vickie Whitfield, Administrative Specialist Suzanne Dowling, Editor Nick Thomas, Graphic Designer Copyright 2011 The University of Alabama School of Social Work All rights reserved. Information contained in this publication is gathered from sources considered reliable. The School of Social Work cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions in this publication. The University of Alabama is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer.
Program Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Program Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Social Work Faculty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
The University of Alabama School of Social Work remains dynamic and innovative. We are changing and growing, while adapting to the everevolving needs of society and the profession. We remain steadfastly committed to high quality social work education in order to meet new and existing challenges. We achieved several milestones in 2010-2011. We invested significantly in growing our BSW, MSW, and PhD programs and developed a strategic partnership with the University’s School of Law to offer a joint degree (MSW/ JD) program. Pending approval of The University of Alabama’s Graduate Council, this program is expected to go into effect by fall 2012. Our remarkable faculty and staff and the next generation of leaders they teach are literally changing lives. The faculty’s research on real-world problems is helping to improve people’s
lives. Our students are positively affecting Alabama communities, while gaining valuable career skills. Our alumni are our indispensable partners, who provide the backbone that supports our mission. As we move forward into the 2011-2012 academic year, we will build on our past successes and plan for even greater contributions in social work education. This will take the efforts of our faculty, staff, students, partners, supporters, and the social work community as a whole. We expect and depend on your help to prepare bright, well-educated social work professionals who will make a difference in the lives they touch throughout their careers. That is both our greatest hope and our greatest achievement. On a personal note, I appreciate the warm reception and support I have received this past year as the School’s interim dean. I am excited about
Dr. Lucinda Roff
our future and look forward to your ongoing interest and participation in our important work. Please feel free to visit the School at any time. You can contact me by email at lroff@sw.ua.edu or by phone at 205-348-3924. It is important to me that we stay in touch. Please visit our website (www.socialwork.ua.edu) for the latest updates.
Faculty and Staff Awards ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18 Faculty Research. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Honor Roll Donors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
The University of Alabama School of Social Work has received a reaffirmation of its accreditation for its Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs by the Council on Social Work Education until 2019. The School received its affirmation with no progress reports required. The UA School of Social Work is the only university in the state that offers degrees in all three levels of social work education: BSW, MSW and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The Council of Social Work Education is a national accrediting body that is comprised of social work faculty and administrators from across the country.
The University of Alabama • School of Social Work
OutReach • Fall 2011
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Academic Programs
FACTS & FIGURES 600
Enrollment
Fall
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
BSW
157
185
187
186
210
MSW
249
238
243
263
253
PHD
28
33
31
31
33
Total
434
456
461
480
496
500
300 249
2010
Minority #
64
68
70
70
92
% minority
40.80
36.80
37.40
38.20
44.00
BSW
263
243
238
210
200
185
187
92
186
157
100 92
33
28
31
31
5
33
0
2006
2007
2008
BSW
MSW
2009
PHD
2010
TOTAL
2006-7
2007-8
2008-9
2009-10
2010-11
BSW
34
35
44
40
50
MSW
156
157
131
166
144
PHD
0
4
5
3
8
Total
Minority #
91
95
106
104
116
% minority
36.60
40.00
43.60
39.50
45.90
160
PhD Minority #
5
9
10
10
11
140
% minority
17.90
27.30
32.30
32.30
33.30
120
0
50
100
150
200
250
80
2009
60
2008
40
2007
20 0 0
2
50
100
150
200
250
The University of Alabama • School of Social Work
196
180
209
BSW STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
100
202
0
Will Suclupe – Preparing to Serve His Country, Again 2006
2007
2008
2009
{
2010
}
S ince 2 0 0 9
2010 Spring
Summer
Growing Old in America, Volunteerism in Human Services. The other online courses are Introduction to Fields of Social Work Practice and History of Social Welfare in the United States.
150
200% INCREASE
2009
Extended online course offerings to include:
200
Distance Learning
100
2010
2006
190
My mother is a single parent who is financially supporting two children in college. The generosity of the donors who funded this scholarship has helped to reduce much of that financial burden from my family. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities which it has given me. After graduation, I plan to pursue my MSW here at UA and eventually work with juveniles and their families and develop effective rehabilitative programs.
250
50
MSW
Tamara Hall
Huntsville, AL BSW Program Jean and Raymond Rayfield Endowed Scholarship
Added a social work orientation course (Orientation to Social Work) and a professional writing course (Professional Writing Seminar) to our curriculum.
253
92
GRADUATES
Minority ENROLLMENT 2009
SCHOLARSHIP IN ACTION
Among the highlights from this year:
400
SPRING 2011 2008
During the 2010-11 academic year, the BSW program enrolled 210 students – an all time high for the program
434
{503} 2007
496
480 461
456
Social Work Total Headcount:
2006
BSW
2011
2009
2010
2011
Spring
54
74
81
Summer
61
66
138
Fall
64
64
140
Total
179
204
359
Will Suclupe has served as an Army mental health officer that included a 15-month tour of duty in Northern Iraq. It was his time in Iraq that solidified his desire to become a social worker. “I learned that social workers are an important part of an interdisciplinary team in that they help our military members get through the many challenges they face while serving our nation,” said Suclupe, who earned a Bronze Star Medal for his service. “I think I’ve always been a social worker at heart. I’ve always been empathetic to others and I have always tried to seek justice. My brother is a social worker and one of my sisters is a school counselor so I believe helping others runs in our family. “ Will plans to pursue his MSW at UA and, after that, plans to continue assisting veterans in need, especially as they transition from the military into civilian life. “I would like to possibly join the service again, work with the Department of Veteran Affairs, or work with a non-profit organization that helps veterans. Further down the road I would like to influence policy especially policy affecting veterans and possibly influence policy affecting immigration in the United States.”
Fall
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Academic Programs
MSW
MSW enrollment has reached an alltime high of students in Fall 2011
SCHOLARSHIP IN ACTION Laura Herren
Tuscaloosa, AL MSW Program: Children and Families Doris Bender Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Among the highlights from this year:
Conducted, two free licensure exam preparation workshops; an analysis of licensure preparation survey of graduating students found that participation in licensure exam preparation workshop is the only significant predictor of their confidence about passing licensure exam.
I am the only person in my immediate family, as well as the only person in my mother’s extended family to graduate from college. Achieving my MSW will be a major accomplishment not only for me, but also for my family. I have continued my career at Tuscaloosa County Department of Human Resources, and I hope to work in the future with families that have suffered during times of disaster.
New elective courses:
Geriatric Care Management and Social Work Ethics
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PhD
Over the past year the Graduate School has recognized the quality of our students -- Three incoming doctoral students have been awarded Graduate Council Fellowships and two have been awarded National Alumni Association Fellowships.
SCHOLARSHIP IN ACTION Xiao Li (Allison)
PhD Program Hill Crest Foundation Endowed Scholarship “I am grateful to be the recipient of this important scholarship as a doctoral fellow. It has made a significant difference in my educational career. I currently am working to finish my dissertation, and look forward to an academic career in social work when I go back to my home country, China.”
Among the highlights from this year:
For the first time all PhD students were required to attend the end of year PhD student evaluation. This process gave students feedback from the Committee on their progress in the program and the opportunity to discuss issues.
MSW STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
PHD STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
– A diagnosis leads to a career
– Finding Her Calling
Adrienne Baldwin
Crystal Broussard
Adrienne Baldwin had never considered a career in social work until she was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. She believes that her struggle with diabetes will be one of her greatest assets when working with future clients. “So many people have been compassionate and understanding when I’ve had to make difficult decisions and deal with my diabetes. I want to do the same for someone else. When people are in difficult situations, it can only take one person to make them feel confident they will accomplish their goals and conquer their struggles. My past experiences have led me to the path of helping others.” After graduation, Adrienne would like to begin a career in medical social work as well as work towards a PhD in social work at UA. Her eventual ambition is to establish a nonprofit organization which will help diabetics. Wherever she ends up, Adrienne’s passion for people and the skills she has gained through the MSW program ensure that she will be successful and effective in her chosen field.
Although Crystal Broussard’s undergraduate studies were in broadcast television production, it was her volunteer experiences that began to shape her career path. “I began seeking jobs with nonprofit agencies; however, it became clear that to get those jobs I needed a social work degree.” According to Crystal, her first classes in UA’s MSW program immediately confirmed that this was the field for her. “The topics discussed in class captured my imagination and spirit of advocacy, and I fell in love with the field. My professors showed me a true picture of what social work is about, and I felt that I understood it immediately. This is my calling.” Following the completion of her MSW degree, Crystal worked for several years with adult and geriatric patients and is specializing in end of life care for her PhD.
The University of Alabama • School of Social Work
“The program allowed me to explore new areas and ways of thinking while maintaining a support system of advisors and mentors to whom I can go when I need advice or information. This program has truly been a blessing to me.”
OutReach • Fall 2011
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Community Engagement
WOW Program Partnership Creates New Program and Facility for Female Juveniles A multidisciplinary collaboration of UA divisions, led by the School of Social Work’s Youth Services Institute (YSI), led to the development of a holistic treatment program for female offenders, titled the Working on Womanhood Program (WOW). The purpose of the new center is to treat girls who do not benefit from the method of custody and control because they have deeper problems that need to be treated otherwise. WOW provides services to a specialized population of adolescent females, generally ages 13-18 that have been committed to the Alabama Department of Youth Services (DYS) and meet specific admission criteria. According to YSI director Karan Singley, traditional mental health or correctional approaches are inappropriate or ineffective for these youth.
PROGRAM EVALUATION OF
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION
“The WOW program uses gender-specific, outcomedriven interventions designed for adolescent females with a history of delinquent behavior and mental health related issues,” she said. “This program aims to set a standard of treatment and model programming for delinquent girls. It has incredible potential to positively impact the lives of young women who often fall through the cracks of the juvenile justice system.”
A special project at the School provides program evaluation services to the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention [ADCANP].
WOW is housed in the former Tuscaloosa County Juvenile Detention Center. YSI worked closely with architects and contractors on the remodeling project.
“The project’s mission is to support ADCANP in the successful delivery of child abuse and neglect prevention services through Nelson-Gardell with an effective, efficient, and Felicia Woerner, feasible data collection, DCAP Project Manager management, analysis, and reporting system,” said Dr. Debra Nelson-Gardell, project director. “We do this in collaboration with approximately 170 social service agencies who deliver the services funded by ADCANP in Alabama communities.”
During the center’s dedication ceremony, Dr. Lucinda Roff, dean of the School of Social Work, spoke of the long-term collaborative relationship between the University and DYS, and pledged continued cooperation on current and future projects.
ADCANP funds parent education/support and home visitation programs, along with respite care programs for parents. They fund public awareness and training programs, work with the public and with allied professionals as well as school-based, after-school/non-school based, and mentoring programs for children and youth. “The community agencies benefit through the involvement of a third party evaluator who can help them gather and submit the data that ADCANP needs in order to advocate for funds in an increasingly resource-competitive climate. “ “And children and families benefit through services meant to support their abilities to increase those factors that protect against child abuse and neglect.” Jennifer Patterson, WOW Clinical Director
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The University of Alabama • School of Social Work
OutReach • Fall 2011
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Community Engagement
SCHOOL ACTIVE
T ORNA DO
RELIEF EFFORTS
IN FOSTER KIDS
In the aftermath of the storm of April 27, 2011, the UA School of Social Work’s faculty, staff and students reached out to the Tuscaloosa community – one that is closely intertwined with our university.
INITIATIVES
TRAINING
Students and faculty from the UA School of Social Work helped staff two summer 2010 activities to help teens in Alabama’s foster care system consider their options for attending college. School of Social Work students, Sean Hudson, Ebonee Thomas and Kayla Magbie, worked as counselors with a select group of high school students living in foster care who participated in a college workshop at UA through the Nsoro Foundation’s Precollegiate Summer Program June 19-23. Some 19 sophomores and juniors were selected to attend a series of college preparation workshops and other activities on campus. This activity was part of the UA Foster Child Initiative, the brainchild of Dr. Lowell Davis, UA Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. Social work students lived in the dorms and spent a full week with participants, as they learned about college life at UA. Ebonee Thomas, a social work major from Birmingham, will complete her BSW internship in fall 2011 at the Jefferson County Department of Human Resources. “This camp provided me an excellent experience for my upcoming field placement,” she said, “I am excited about working with more foster teens
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Camp Counselors - Cambrin Daniel, BSW student; Crystal Moore, and Carrie Glover, MSW student
and helping them consider all their choices after high school.” In a second, similar program, the School hosted the 2011 National Social Work Enrichment Program’s (NSEP) summer camp. This relatively new program, founded in 2008, is designed to attract high school juniors and seniors to the social work profession. This year’s participants were 19 foster children currently enrolled in Alabama’s Independent Living Program. The Independent Living Program works with teens in foster care teaching them basic life skills as they transition to adulthood. The 6-week summer camp, which ran June 5 through July 14, afforded high school students many opportunities for personal growth and development within a university setting. Students had the opportunity to live on campus during the week and return home to their families on
The University of Alabama • School of Social Work
The School of Social Work’s Outreach Initiative for tornado survivors began with training for all faculty and staff. Two recent MSW graduates, Shelley Rawlings and
Bess Dulaney, were instrumental in planning and arranging this training and subsequent events. Social Work faculty member Joanne Terrell provided training on Crisis Intervention and Stress Management Techniques related to traumatization. In addition to faculty and staff, training was also conducted for Baptist ministers and deacons of affected churches in the Tuscaloosa area.
SOMEONE TO LISTEN A Critical Incident Stress Management group was conducted for tornado survivors in several impacted areas including the Rosedale and Crescent East housing developments, and the communities of Alberta, Holt and Pleasant Grove.
TEAMWORK The School of Social Work was also part of the University’s Coalition of Emergency Mental Health Providers. During the three weeks immediately following the tornado, more than 95 members of the UA Emergency Mental Health Coalition provided over 1400 hours of no-cost counseling services to storm victims at the following locations:
•Temporary Emergency Services •Tuscaloosa’s One Place •Holt Baptist Church •Tuscaloosa City Schools •Tuscaloosa Community Soup Bowl •FOCUS on Senior Citizens •University of Alabama Psychology Clinic •University of Alabama Betty Shirley Clinic
the weekends. During their NSEP experience, students completed the course, Careers in Social Work, designed to help them gain a deeper understanding of the social work profession. While enhancing their financial literacy, students engaged in a 4-week paid work experience in a social service agency. In addition, the program provided a perfect platform to expand their reading, writing, and public speaking skills and to participate in various socially and culturally enriching activities. Two social work undergraduate and graduate students served as camp counselors. “I am happy that the students were introduced to the social work profession,” says Dr. Javonda Williams, assistant professor and chair of the BSW program. “This program also provided the students with the opportunity to learn skills they can use to become productive responsible citizens.”
OutReach • Fall 2011
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Program Events
2010 & 2011 S ocial
D.C. Internship Program Celebrates 30th Anniversary
W or k
F all C onference S The School of Social Work and the Alabama Department of Human Resources hosted its ninth annual Fall Social Work Conference August 26 & 27, 2010 at the Paul Bryant Conference Center. The two-day conference, “Helping Families Persevere: Child Welfare’s Role in Supporting Change,” had speakers and presentations on programs and practices for all aspects of family life. The keynote address, “When Survival is Not Enough: Embracing Change and Supporting Resiliency,”
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was given by Dr. Evelyn S. Williams of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work, and Ms. Barbara Leach, of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, Family Support Network. The 2011 conference marked the 10th anniversary of this event and was held in Montgomery at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Conference Center August 25 and 26.
The University of Alabama • School of Social Work
Last September, the School of Social Work’s Washington D.C. internship program celebrated its 30th anniversary with an alumni reunion at Little Hall.
“A Brighter Day: The Future of Child Welfare Practice” Dr. Alvin L. Sallee of the University of Houston, provided the keynote address, “Strength in Families, in Child Welfare, and in Alabama: The Story of Title IV-E.”
More than 500 students have graduated from the program -- which allows MSW students to spend their final field placement in an organization in the nation’s capitol. It is the only program of its kind in the nation. While in Washington, students take
the advanced social welfare policy analysis course, meet with members of Congress and their staffs, interact with speakers from policy and advocacy agencies, and learn first hand how policy is created. Dr. Phillip Crunk, who led the program for more than 25 years, was among the many former and current faculty and staff on hand to celebrate the anniversary. “Students have
experiences in agencies that cannot be duplicated….these opportunities allow UA students to work at the cutting edge of knowledge,” said Dr. Crunk. Many of the students commented that their experiences in D.C. formed the foundation for their careers as social workers. Professor Carroll Phelps currently serves as the program coordinator.
“The internships, hearings, briefings, and every other D.C. activity has helped me to become a more committed, passionate and educated social worker. I would highly recommend that students take this once in a lifetime opportunity,” said program alum Haley Watkins.
OutReach • Fall 2011
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Program Events
African-American Heritage Month C elebration
Timothy A. Davis returned to his alma mater as the featured speaker for the 23rd Annual African-American Heritage Program. His speech was entitled, “Desegregation: A Personal Perspective.” Davis, deputy director for programs at the Alabama Department of Youth Services (DYS), shared his own personal experience of growing up in Alabama, during the era of desegregation in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Davis received his MSW with a concentration in planning and management from the UA School of Social Work. He earned his BSSW from the University of AlabamaBirmingham and a Juris Doctorate from the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law.
Women’s History Month
C elebrated Civil rights pioneer and education advocate, Dr. Ethel Hall, spoke at the School of Social Work’s inaugural Women’s History Month lecture held in April 2011. In her speech, Hall
“ Anything You Want to Do Badly Enough, You Can Do,” talked about her life experiences and how she overcame poverty and racial discrimination to become the first black person to lead the Alabama State Board of Education. After her speech, Dr. Hall autographed her recently-released memoir, “My Journey: A Memoir of the First African-American to Preside Over the Alabama Board of Education.” Dr. Hall, an associate professor emerita of the School, was the first woman and African-American to graduate from the School’s doctoral program.
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The University of Alabama • School of Social Work
OutReach • Fall 2011
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Program Updates
Primarily
ONLINE PROGRAM
Draws Huge Response Primarily Online, the School’s new 42 credit hour MSW advanced standing program launched in the summer of 2011, has over 75 students enrolled with plans to expand offerings in 2012. All courses (except direct practice courses) are offered in an online format using Elearning, Wimba Live and other technologies. Students stay in touch with fellow students and instructors in both asynchronous and real time formats. Students meet in regionally convenient locations for all-day Saturday skills labs throughout each semester. Advanced standing students also complete a 500 clock hour field placement, typically in the community where they live. The primarily online program is supported, in part, by the State’s Department of Human Resources (DHR) through its Title IV-E initiative. The School plans to offer the 60 hour MSW degree in a primarily online format in May 2012.
PHD PROGRAM EXPANDS T O FA R R A H H A L L The School’s PhD students have a new home in Farrah Hall, the original home of the state’s only public school of law. Farrah Hall is across the street from Little Hall, the School’s main facility, and adjacent to the new Hood Malone Plaza, honoring the first African-American students to enroll in The University of Alabama. Dr. Wesley Church, chair of the PhD program comments, “Our state-of-the
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art facility was purposely designed to support faculty-student and studentstudent collaboration in social work research.” The PhD student work area, provides 19 fully-equipped computer work stations and locked storage space for PhD students as well as a high tech, multimedia PhD seminar room. Also included in the newly renovated PhD area are offices for the PhD program chair and program assistant, a kitchen,
The University of Alabama • School of Social Work
and offices for 7 faculty members who work closely with PhD students. PhD student Gina McCaskill comments, “It’s great for us all to have a workspace where we can complete our individual projects and easily collaborate with our fellow students.” The School has offered doctoral study in social work since 1975 and currently enrolls 33 PhD students.
“Our goal is to expand the number of child welfare workers in the state who have MSW degrees with a focus on work in Children, Youth, and Families. Now students whose homes are far distant from the main campus can benefit from the strong MSW program offered at The University of Alabama,” DHR representative Mandy Fowler. OutReach • Fall 2011
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Social Work Faculty NEW FACULTY Amy Traylor, Assistant Professor of Social Work Education: B.A. in English, The University of Alabama MSW, The University of Alabama, Ph.D. in Social Work, University of Georgia
Amy Traylor
Research Interests: Substance abuse and mental health, the use of emerging technology in social work education, and research and practice. Also, Traylor, along with the School, is building a virtual reality laboratory that will enable social work researchers to observe a user in a realistic setting, experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of that environment.
Michael A. Robinson, Assistant Professor of Social Work Education: B.S. in finance, DePaul University MSW, University of Kentucky, Ph.D. in Social Work, University of Kentucky Research Interests: Healthcare disparities, substance abuse, and grandparents raising grandchildren.
Michael A. Robinson
Avani Shah, Assistant Professor of Social Work Education: B.A. in Psychology, The University of Alabama M.A. in Psychology, The University of Alabama MSW, The University of Alabama Ph.D in Clinical Psychology, The University of Alabama Research Interests: Statistics/research methods, clinical interventions for depression, memory, independent living, and aging populations in the context of health. Avani Shah
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The University of Alabama • School of Social Work
FACULTY RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIP AND SERVICE PRESENTATIONS Nancy Payne presented a paper titled “Keeping the faith: Perceptions of spiritual acceptance of social work students in a public university,” at the national meeting of the North American Association for Christians in Social Work. Kathleen A. Bolland presented a paper titled “Evaluation in social work education and practice” at the annual meeting of the American Evaluation Association. She also presented “Social work student challenges: Strategies and solutions for social work administrators,” at the Council on Social Work Education’s Annual Program Meeting.
working poor,” International Journal of Social Welfare. “The roles of parenting and child welfare services in alcohol use by adolescents,” Children and Youth Services Review. Wesley T. Church II, “Attitudes toward the treatment of sex offenders: A SEM analysis,” Journal of Forensic Social Work. Ellen L. Csikai, “Adult Protection Services workers’ experiences with serious illness and death.” Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect. She serves as editor of the Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life and Palliative Care. Gordon A. MacNeil, and colleagues, “Helping aging parents of adult children with serious mental illness,” Journal of Social Service Research. Shadi Sahami Martin, “Influence of culture and discrimination on careseeking behavior of elderly African Americans: A qualitative study,” Social Work in Public Health.
Carol S. Drolen presented a paper titled, “Collegiate recovery communities: The model and current outcomes” at the Austrand Professional Society on Alcohol and Drugs in Canberra, Australia.
Debra M. Nelson-Gardell co-authored “Allegations of sexual abuse of a child: What to do when a single forensic interview isn’t enough,” Journal of Child Sexual Abuse .
Carroll C. Phelps presented a paper titled, “Building the social work workforce for older adults in the urban environment” at the 9th International Conference on Urban Health in New York.
David E. Pollio co-authored, “Employment status and income generation among homeless emerging adults: Results from a five-city, mixedmethods study,” Youth and Society.
PUBLICATIONS Tyrone Chiwai Cheng, “Financial self-sufficiency or return to welfare? A longitudinal study of mothers among the
Michael Robinson, and colleagues, “Social work students and self-care: A model assignment for teaching,” Journal of Social Work Education.
Lucinda L. Roff co-authored, “The use of Morycz’s Desire-to-Institutionalize Scale across three racial/ethnic groups,” Journal of Aging and Health. Avani Shah co-edited, Evidence Based Psychological Therapies for Older Adults, published by the American Psychological Association. Brenda D. Smith co-authored, “Integrated substance abuse and child welfare services for women: A progress review,” and “Transferring training to child welfare practice: Individual and collective efforts,” Children and Youth Services Review. Joanne J. Terrell co-authored, “Testifying about mitigation: When social workers and other mental health professionals face aggressive cross-examination,” Journal of Forensic Social Work. Amy C. Traylor and colleagues, “What virtual reality research in addictions can tell us about the future of obesity assessment and treatment,” Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. Javonda D. Williams and colleagues, “Techniques employed by forensic interviewers conducting extended assessments: Results from a multisite study,” Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma. Cassandra E. Simon co-authored, “Positive traits versus previous trauma: Racially different correlates with PTSD symptoms among Hurricane Katrina volunteers,” Journal of Community Psychology.
Service Barbara A. Chandler, Council of Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation, and national committee that developed standards for social work practice with military families. Karen Starks, legislative chair of the Alabama Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. James K. Terrell, Alabama Blues Project. A gifted musician, Professor Terrell combines hands-on musical instrument blues instruction with a life skills curriculum for young people from foster homes, local housing projects and state facilties. Cynthia W. Tyler, coordinated the University of Alabama’s interdisciplinary project to provide emergency mental health counseling to members of the Tuscaloosa community immediately following the April 27, 2011 tornado. Cassandra E. Simon, reviewer of dissertation grant proposals and master’s degree training grants for the American Cancer Society. Carroll C. Phelps, directed a grant from the John A. Hartford Foundation to implement the Partnership Program in Aging Education in the School’s Washington, DC program.
OutReach • Fall 2011
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Faculty and Staff Awards
Faculty Research Michael Parker: Aging - A New Field of Ministry for Churches Although many churches and religious groups now operate ministries and outreach programs for the older members of their congregations, Dr. Michael Parker says there’s much more that could be done to help their communities with strategies for successful aging. Parker’s research and work on these issues will be featured in his new book, A Vision for the Aging Church: Renewing Ministry For and By Seniors, co-authored by noted theologian James Houston.
Dr. Allan Kaufman
Dr. Tyrone Cheng
Joanne J. Terrell
Kaufman Receives Gundy Award
Dr. Allan Kaufman, professor emeritus of social work, received the Howard B. Gundy Award in recognition and appreciation for distinguished service to the faculty, staff, students, and alumni of the School of Social Work and to the profession of social work. The award is named for Dr. Howard B. Gundy, the first dean of The University of Alabama School of Social Work. Dr. Kaufman’s research involves human aging, social support, caregiving, developmental disabilities and aging, mental health and aging, and social work education. He was a co-principal investigator for two research projects on family caregiving and improving the quality of life of rural home health care recipients funded by the National Institute on Aging and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Cheng Receives Dean’s Faculty Award
Dr. Tyrone Cheng, associate professor of social work and chair of the MSW Program, received the 2011 Dean’s Faculty Award. This award recognizes excellence in research, teaching and service and commitment to the ideals of social work and to the UA School of Social Work. A member of the faculty since 2008, Dr. Cheng’s research focuses on family preservation, child welfare, social welfare policies, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Terrell Recognized with Buford Peace Award
Joanne J. Terrell, an instructor of social work, received the 2011 Lahoma Adams Buford Peace Award. Administered by the UA School of Social Work, this award is granted annually to a UA faculty member who in teaching, research, practice, and professional life has demonstrated exceptional levels of involvement in mediating human disputes, helping
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The University of Alabama • School of Social Work
Dr. Debra Nelson-Gardell
Barbara Nicol
overcome prejudice, promoting justice and establishing peace. Although the School of Social Work administers the award, any UA faculty member may receive it. Along with her love of teaching, Terrell has a deep passion for addressing issues of equity and justice. She has received several honors and awards, including the Liberty Bell Award from the Tuscaloosa Bar Association and the Social Worker of the Year Award from the West Alabama Unit of the National Association of Social Workers.
Nelson-Gardell Named Social Worker of the Year
Dr. Debra Nelson-Gardell, associate professor of social work, was named the 2011 Social Worker of the Year by the Alabama Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. This award is given to a social work professional who has demonstrated commendable social work practice and involvement with NASW and other professional, civic, and community organizations. In addition, Dr. NelsonGardell was awarded the Distinguished Service Award for her leadership and extraordinary dedication to the NASW-Alabama Chapter Board of Directors. She served as president of the NASW-Alabama Chapter from 2008-2011.
Nicol Named Allen Award Winner
Barbara Nicol, registrar for the School of Social Work, was named the 2011 Penny Allen Award recipient. Established in honor of the late Sara Bell Penrod “Penny” Allen of UA’s School of Social Work, the award is granted to one student and one non-student each year who have made a significant contribution to student life at the University. Faculty, staff, as well as current and former students supported Nicol’s nomination. Nicol has worked at the University in various roles for more than 21 years, 12 of those in the School of Social Work.
“I think the church can be far more actively engaged right now in addressing the needs of its aging congregations,” said Dr. Parker, who works in the areas of gerontology, geriatrics and palliative care. “Many churches think of older people in this context: ‘old, frail, and dependent.’ As in, ‘How can we help you?’ And most older people prefer not to be thought of in that manner. Seniors aren’t the problem. They are the solution.” “Because they’ve lived longer and have had diverse experiences, and wonderful vocational careers, I believe that they should be thought of as leaders, sources of information, and of wisdom. They are people who can mentor younger people, who can, in their ‘retirement years,’ be actively engaged in the pursuit of benevolent works.” “The church could also be involved, for instance, in helping family members to get a history from a senior, before dementia hits or a stroke incapacitates a person. The church could help families get that audio or video history, and give assistance with how to do a ‘life review’ of a loved one. That would be a gift that would continue to give, throughout the future.”
Jo Pryce: The Cost of Courage A few years back while attending a major social work education conference the Council on Social Work Education’s annual meeting, Dr. Jo Pryce couldn’t help but notice a lack of sessions dealing with military issues. cc “The social work community as a whole, with a few significant exceptions, has been slow to come to terms with the world-wide conflict in which we have been engaged for several long years with no definite end yet in sight,” said Pryce. Pryce’s concern led to the publishing of the book, The Cost of Courage: Combat Stress, Warriors and Family Survival. The book was co-authored with Pryce’s husband, David, a retired US army officer, and Dr. Kim Shackelford of the University of Mississippi. “The book’s purpose is to inform the reader about the horrific nature of war and its human costs so social workers and other helping professionals can better understand, and relate to, warriors and their families.” The book gives social workers detailed background on the U.S. military and surrounding issues including: special needs of military families (preparing for deployment, separation, and reintegration during post-deployment), the “invisible wounds of war” (traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive episodes), as well as contemporary issues (homelessness, incarcerated veterans, and special challenges faced by military women). “We must try to do everything we can to meet the overwhelming need to mend and strengthen our returning warriors and their loved ones.” OutReach • Fall 2011
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Honor Roll Donors The School of Social Work is deeply grateful to the following donors who support our academic programs. The generosity of these individuals and organizations allows us to add value to our ongoing programs to provide a high quality education to our students. This honor roll lists donors who contributed to the School of Social Work between June 18, 2010 and May 31, 2011. The giving levels below are based on total giving during this period. If your name has been omitted or some other error exists, we apologize and ask that you please contact Deidra K. Perry, Director of Advancement at 205.348.0182.
Founder’s Circle
$5,000 to $25,000 to the School of Social Work or any of its academic programs • Zoe A. Atherton • Amy Beaulieu Mansue
Gundy Circle
$1,000 to $4,999 to the School of Social Work or any of its academic programs • Barry James Ackerson • Portis Cunningham • James Dupree, Jr. • Gene Pearson Finley, Jr. • William L. Gormley • Mary Partlow Lauttamus • E. James Loop • Maxine McCullar • Carroll Chandler Phelps • James A. Ray • Lucinda L. Roff & David L. Klemmack • James Wayne Sellers, Sr. • Coy Albert Stout II • Tony D. Walker • Jackie Allen Williams
Little Hall Circle
$500 to $999 to the School of Social Work or any of its academic programs • Phyllis Parrish Alston • Barbara Mills Chandler • James A. Hall • Maurice F. Kahlmus, Jr. • Troy Scott Martin • Carolyn Neiswender • Robert Brian Tipton • William W. Winternitz
Dean’s Circle
$250 to $499 to the School of Social Work or any of its academic programs • Barbara Allen Brunson
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• Mary Cunningham Burnette • Dianne F. Harrison • Kimberly Dorst Johnke • Robert M. Malone, Jr. • Sarah McCollum Osborn • Stephanie R. Peck • Bettye C. Pressley • Harold Douglas Shambley • Raymond Oland Sumrall • Joanne Jeffries Terrell
Social Work Advocate $100 to $249 to the School of Social Work or any of its academic programs • Nancy Cridlin Barnett • William Edwin Baxter • Aleta C. Beaver • Derotha Williams Beck • Tarilton Edwards Benton • JoAnn Coulter Black • Kathleen Ann Bolland • Margaret Martin Bonham • Becky S. Bressman • Karen P. Brooks • Philip Lee Browning • Julia Burkett Caddell • Teresa S. Costanzo • Richard T. Crow • Phillip E. Crunk • Nancy Magalin DeVaney • Bruce Howard Eads • Veronica J. Elder • Bess Roberts Estis • Ronald David Gilbert • Betty C. Glasscock • Pamela F. Green • Ethel Harris Hall • Kathryn M. Harwood • Matthew Kyle Herring • Pricilla Howard Hinton • Judy J. Jackson • Miriam Sue Johnson • Rose McCarthy Johnson • Florine F. Knapp • Leah P. Lust • Mary Dunn Lyles • Gordon MacNeil • Ginger R. Martin • Diana E. McCampbell • Robert Earl McKinney
The University of Alabama • School of Social Work
• Cathy Higgins Miller • Danny Mike Murrah • Barbara A. Nicol • Nancy L. Payne • Carola Barrow Pike • John L. Prewitt • Robert M. Quinnelly • Jean and Raymond Rayfield • Alvin Jerome Reed • Thomas Charles Schmidt • Caro K. Shanahan • Fern Kleckner Shellhase • George C. Shelton • Sharon Chisholm Shelton • Paul A. Shorrosh • Catherine Singleton-Walker • W. Randall Somerville • Jennifer E. Story • Billie Ruth Sudduth • Palma Louise Taylor • Helen Gene Varner • Ellen R. Wallace • Phillip Eugene Ward • Vickie Lynn Whitfield • Teresa L. Young • Francis Ki-Oi Yuen
Social Work Supporter Up to $99 to the School of Social Work or any of its academic programs • Eileen Kathryn Ackerman • Lemeshia Meshana Agee • Alice L. Williams Avery • Larry W. Ayers • Susan Grace Barfoot • Casey Redmill Barnes • Christopher Drouin Barrows • Jimmy V. Bean • Margaretta Fris Beasley • David Beito • Linda Beito • Karen Roth Belina • Jessie A. Berkeley • Sue J. Berry • Brandon Patrick Boggs • Barbara Goldstein Bonfield • Janet Marie Boozer • Martha Scott Bosworth • Rebekah H. Boutwell • Sharon Hill Bradford
• Deborah Glynis Branyon • Patricia Marie Brooks • Phyllis Bragg Brooks • Linda S. Buchanan • Elizabeth Bugg • Patricia Johanna Burch • Kimberly Rossignol Burnett • John Galen Cagle • Amy Brown Cannon • Vicki H. Cargile • Lisa B. Carroll • Brenda Sullivan Causey • Joyce Gale Channell • Judith K. Conn • Daniel Patrick Conner • Bobbi Jo Barr Cooper • Barbara S. Cotter • Lawrence D. Cottle • John Thomas Creel • Misty Culp Creel • Carol Ann Culpepper • Diane W. Daffron • Helen Marie Darmetka • Jane Carlin Davis • Vivian Hopkins Davis • Peggy D. Day • Janet Burton Deagon • Gordon Denniston • Shuryvonne S. Dixon • Carol S. Drolen • Penelope O. Dudley • Daniel W. Durkin • John Gwyn Faile • Cornelia Fay Farr • Kathryn Lee Farris • Sheryl Flavin • Brenda Black Floyd • Maryanne TP Fong • Charlena Moore Freeman • Gene Gandy • Brenda Joyce Giles • Charles Edward Gleaton • Wanda E. Goodwin • Lucia S. Grantham • Vanessa German Graves • Woodfin Tinsley Gregg • Bonanza Ann Hale • Melanie Mashburn Hale • Dollie Hambrick • Susan T. Hardekopf • Elizabeth Hare • William V. Hawkins • Glenda Sue Hays
• Dudley L. Heath • Laura Nicole Heaven • Susan George Hedges • Carol T. Heier • John Wayne Helms • Dale Frank Hendrix, Jr. • Cecil Hopkins • Sandra Royster Hopkins • Bruce Murrell Hopper • Henrietta T. Horton • Sharon Eloise Hyatt • Mary Elizabeth Hyde • Kimberly E. Hyden • Sharon V. Jay • Charlotte Smith Johnson • Onya T. Johnson • T. Michael Johnson • Gloria Calloway King • William D. King IV • Daniel Joseph Kullen • Rita Ellen Levens • Stephanie Lofton • Ashley Maddox • Dan Mahoney • Mary W. Mahoney • Carolyne Anderson Mann • Diane Powell Mauldin • Wanda Kay Mayhall • Andrea McCain • Donna Grissett McCarley • John B. McDowell III • Pearson McGhee • Catherine Alise McKeown • Richard Carlos McMinn, Jr. • Suzanne Wiggins McQuiston • Karolyn Mersmann • Mary Hood Miller • Melinda Fleisher Mintz • Julia Robinson Mitchell • Melissa Stinson Molloy • Margie F. Nelson • Debra M. Nelson-Gardell • Annie Gay Norris • Louise Berkeley Norwood • Susan Smith Nunn • Julie O’Connor • Margaret S. Odom • Joyce Parrish O’Neal • Ben Avis Orcutt • Mary Etta Palmer • Michael W. Parker • Lynn Vickery Patton • Vanessa D. Patton • Adeline Pirinea • Claire Louise Preston • Constance J. Randolph • Rance Scott Ratcliff, Jr. • Ginny T. Raymond • Leslie E. Raymond • Ian Hines Reed • Terrie Reid • Bonnie Sue Riley • Katrina G. Robbins
• Ava Harrison Rozelle • Margaret H. Rugg • Della Govea Sanchez • Angie Smith Sanders • Margaret T. Sarris • Vicki Darnell Sealey • Mary Alves Sella • Hope Rains Skelton • Paula Madison Skelton • Henry F. Small • Anthony Smith • Beverly Smith • Claire Parniece Smith • Mary Lou Smith • Barry Wayne Snider • Adriana Unger Stacey • Susan Wiggins Thomas • Kathy H. Thompson • Lauren Graham Thurman • Barbara Anderson Trammell • Margaret Houston Treese • Charlotte D. Van Erman • Myra Early Vandiver • Rachel Kennedy Waits • Marlin Ford Waters • Patty Phillips Webber • Arngenel H. Wells • Ann Wilson Wesley • Erin R. Wheeler • Kathryn Whitcomb • Thomas Edward Whitten • Norman Elden Willingham • Nancy Lynn Wilson • Susan Rains Windham • Carol J. Woodcock • Brian Wynne • Kathryn Winkles Wynne
Corporation and Foundation Donors • Alabama Power Company • Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP • Camp Foundation, Inc. • Claude Bennett Family Foundation • Home Depot • Littler Mendelson, P.C. • Nick’s Kids Fund • Solutions at Work, LTD • St. Vincent’s Health System • The University of Alabama Retirees Association • Vulcan Materials Company Foundation • West Alabama Chapter of the ASWA
Board of Friends • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Tony D. Walker, Chair Carroll Phelps, Vice Chair T. Scott Martin, Secretary M. Fran Burnette Lady Portis Cunningham Jeannie A. Duke James Dupree Gene Finley, Jr. David E. Gay Laurie Faulkner Hereford Maxine McCullar Carolyn Neiswender Sarah Osborn Nadine Penaskovic J. Miller Piggott J. Wayne Sellers Mark Wheat Jackie Williams
Social Work Society • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Phyllis Alston Veronica J. Elder Blake Gann Ron Gilbert Vanessa Graves, Vice President Pam Green Dollie Hambrick Sandra R. Hopkins Diana McCampbell, President Adrienne McCollum Joyce O’Neal, Immediate Past President Carola Pike Clarence Rowe Brock Sellers Caro Shanahan, Secretary/Treasurer Judy Young Teresa Young
OutReach • Fall 2011
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Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Tuscaloosa, AL Permit #16
The University of Alabama School of Social Work Box 870314 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0314