Order of exercise
Marshals and banner bearers
• Robert Anderson, banner bearer
• LaKesha Bennett, marshal
• Kiara Faulks, marshal
• Kimberly King, marshal
• Amanda Long, banner bearer
• Julie Pence, banner bearer
• James Romanik, banner bearer
Processional
• Faculty and guests
• Ph.D. graduates
• M.S.W. graduates
• B.S.W. graduates
Introduction of the dean
• Stevara Haley Clark, Ed.D., interim associate dean for academic and student affairs; and associate professor in teaching
Welcome and special faculty recognition
• Gary S. Cuddeback, Ph.D., interim dean and professor
Commencement speaker
• Frank Baskind, Ph.D.
Special student recognitions
• Stevara Haley Clark, Ed.D.
Recognition of Ph.D. graduates
• Humberto E. Fabelo, Ph.D., interim director, Ph.D. Program
Ph.D. student speaker
• Aaron Kemmerer
Hooding of Ph.D. graduates
• Elizabeth Cramer, Ph.D.
• Maurice Gattis, Ph.D.
• Kyeongmo Kim, Ph.D.
• Traci Wike, Ph.D.
Awarding of Ph.D. diplomas
• Gary S. Cuddeback, Ph.D.
• Humberto E. Fabelo, Ph.D.
Recognition of M.S.W. graduates
• Nicole L. Lee, Ph.D., director, M.S.W. Program
M.S.W. student speaker
• Fatima Batool
Hooding of M.S.W. graduates
• Cassie DeSena-Jacobs, D.S.W.
• Kimberly Compton, Ph.D.
• Ananda Newmark, Ph.D.
• Nicole O-Pries, M.S.W.
Awarding of M.S.W. diplomas
• Gary S. Cuddeback, Ph.D.
• Nicole L. Lee, Ph.D.
Reading of M.S.W. graduate names
• Shenita Williams, Ph.D.
Recognition of B.S.W. graduates
• Stephanie G. Odera, Ed.D., director, B.S.W. Program
B.S.W. student speaker
• Emily Park
Awarding of B.S.W. diplomas
• Gary S. Cuddeback, Ph.D.
• Stephanie G. Odera, Ed.D.
Reading of B.S.W. graduate names
• Allison Ryals, M.S.W.
Closing remarks
• Gary S. Cuddeback, Ph.D.
Recessional
Acknowledgements
Thank you to all the administrative staff members in the School of Social Work for their contributions to the school, its students and faculty. Special thanks to all the student volunteers assisting with the ceremony.
Photography: Photo Specialties and Cindy Newmark; American Sign Language interpreters: Mosaic Interpreting Services; live streaming operations: Advanced Visual Productions
Alumni Happy Hour
Graduate Hotel rooftop 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 23. Conversation & complimentary refreshments
See back cover for floor plan/seating details.
Commencement speaker
Frank Baskind, Ph.D., is dean emeritus and professor in the School of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he also served as dean of the School of Social Work (1992-2008) and university ombudsman (2008-2013). Frank teaches courses in social work policy, community and organizational practice; and spirituality and social work practice, and has served as a field instructor and liaison for students in the social work field practicum.
He is an accreditation site visitor for the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation, and his scholarly interests are in generalist social work practice and professional social work education accreditation standards. During his service as dean, Frank secured funding from the John A. Hartford Foundation and the William Hearst Foundation to support students interested in a career in gerontological social work. The School of Social Work was ranked No. 13 by U.S. News & World Report and received contracts totaling over $20 million to manage a Head Start Program in Richmond and the Virginia Institute of Social Services Training Activities for the Virginia Department of Social Services.
Prior to his tenure at VCU, Baskind was at Southern Connecticut State University, where he was dean of the School of Social Work and then the founding dean of the School of Social Work and Human Services. He also was the founding director of the Undergraduate Social Work Program at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN, and served in the positions of president of the Board of Directors of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and chairperson of the Commission on Accreditation for CSWE.
Baskind earned a doctorate in Education and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Connecticut, a Master of Theology degree from Saint Leo University, and a baccalaureate degree from Fordham University. He also earned a Diploma in Professional Education from the University of Connecticut.
Learn more about Dr. Baskind’s career as he retires this summer: P. 14
University Honors
Black History in the Making Award
B.S.W.
Austin Ezzard
Faith Holmes
School
Honors and Awards
Elaine Z. Rothenberg Memorial Scholarship Fund
M.S.W.
Becca Amos
Emma Heinrich
B.S.W.
Jillian Fortney
Kayla Ruiz
Student Field Impact Award
M.S.W.
Heidi Arroyo
Rachel Wells
B.S.W.
Elizabeth Gentile
Nancy Johnson
Phi Alpha National Honor Society for Social Work Students
M.S.W.
Becca Amos
Sav Barnett
Jenni Bivins
Samantha Cain
Jordan Clark
Samantha Faith
Destiny Fore
Sierra Horton
Kelly Loss
Ty Martin
Ailsa McCutchenson
Amber Steeneck
Melissa Tran
December 2023
Cindy Hanig
Erin Henshaw
Brielle Kittrell
August 2024
Julia Bridgen
Sheryl Klauer
Rebecca Nickerson
Christine Paquette
Jessica Zarnegar
B.S.W.
Amelia Burlynn Anderson
Faith Arata
Anastasia Fleischman
Jillian Fortney
Ariel Gaia Lader
Ashton Miller
Danielle Lynn Rhoten
Angie L. Shiflett
School of Social Work Service and Leadership Awards
M.S.W.
Lindsay Cunningham
Andrew Martinek
Angela-Marie Rone
Paige Wise
B.S.W.
Nicole Dann
School of Social Work Social Justice Award
M.S.W.
Beck Oh
B.S.W.
Jillian Fortney
Undergraduate,
Graduate and Doctoral Support Scholars
Rosa Jimenez-Vazquez Adelante
Scholarship: Sirviendo La Comunidad
Hispana
B.S.W.
Molly Ramirez
Frank and Patricia Baskind
Scholarship
M.S.W.
Ames Gersten
Dr. David P. Beverly Memorial Scholarship Fund
M.S.W.
Lindsay Cunningham
Don L. Bradley Endowed Scholarship
M.S.W.
Christina Daley-Quental
Thomas Carlton Memorial Fund
M.S.W.
Jamaica Taylor
Emmett W. Cocke, Jr. Scholarship
M.S.W.
Becca Amos
B.S.W.
Catherine M. Kudiabor
Hans S. Falck Scholarship
M.S.W.
Angela Matijczak
Rick and Brenda Faulkner Scholarship
M.S.W.
Lindsay Cunningham
Caitlyn Joseph
B.S.W.
Sonia Conley
Anne Fischer Scholarship Fund in the School of Social Work
M.S.W.
Sierra Horton
Rachel Wells
Bob Green Research Fund
M.S.W.
Caitlyn Joseph
Fostering Success Scholarship
M.S.W.
Deanie Barrion
Dr. Grace E. Harris Scholarship
B.S.W.
Catherine M. Kudiabor
Madison N. Murphey
Pamela B. Nystrom Memorial Scholarship Fund
M.S.W.
Lexi Apollony
B.S.W.
Anayah C. Spriggs
Bill and Sherry Peterson Scholarship
M.S.W.
Jessica Galazka Zarnegar
David N. Saunders Legislative Internship Fund
M.S.W.
Lilly Hettrick
Martin S. Schwartz Fund
M.S.W.
Camille Starr
Cesare and Ida Sclarandis Fund
M.S.W.
Paige C. Wise
Social Work Admin, Planning and Policy Practice
M.S.W.
Lindsay Cunningham
Lilly Hettrick
Swank-Divine Scholarship
M.S.W.
Yusuf Ansari
Lexi Apollony
Alex Brosius
Makayla Bryant
Emma Heinrich
Aimee Layo
Whitney Ledesma
Morgan Orr
Larissa Sutherland
Tennea Taylor-Jenkins
Judy M. Thomas “Dr. T.” B.S.W. Scholarship
B.S.W.
Faith Arata
Mel C. Whipple Scholarship
M.S.W.
Courtney Fields
Rachel Wilkerson Memorial
Scholarship
M.S.W.
Andrew P. Martinek
Virginia Council on Social Welfare Scholarship
B.S.W.
Anayah C. Spriggs
Child Welfare Stipend Program
M.S.W.
Lisa Allen
Elena Boyle
Jordan Burzynski
Shaquanna Davis
Makenzie Fanney
Destiny Fore
Daniel Nallen
Angela-Marie Rone
Angela Ross
Shannon Williams
December 2023
Kala Curtis
August 2024
Cynthia Acevedo
B.S.W.
Amelia Anderson
Pamela Barrett
Joyce Boyce
Jillian Fortney
Project PIRR
M.S.W.
Gianna Barone
Student Ambassadors
M.S.W.
Lindsay Cunningham
Angela-Marie Rone
Dual Degree, Certificate, Cooperative and Certification Program Recipients
B.S.W. & B.A. in homeland security and emergency preparedness
May 2024
Faith Arata
B.S.W. and B.S. in psychology
May 2024
Giselle Martinez
B.S.W. and B.A. in gender, sexuality and women’s studies
May 2024
Katherine I. Gregory
Certificate in Aging Studies
August 2024
Jessica Galazka Zarnegar
Certificate in Gender Violence
Intervention
May 2024
Jordan Leann Clark
Kira Finifrock
Chioma Joseph-Obi
Beck Oh
Larissa Sutherland
Magnolia Totaro
Casey Yenyo
Certificate in Nonprofit Management
May 2024
Lindsay Cunningham
Melissa Steineke Tran
Certification in School Social Work
May 2024
Audrey Alexander
William Christopher Campbell
Rachel Comerford
Aimee Layo
Michol McBee
Michal Danielle Ross
Asianna Thomas-Jackson
August 2024
Alicia Haase
Ariel Ho
Allison Jensen
Dan Molina
Ph.D. Graduates
Aaron Kemmerer
Dissertation
Housing for transgender and gender expansive people in the U.S. South
Dissertation Chair
Maurice Gattis, Ph.D. Committee
Alex Wagaman, Ph.D.
Nicole Corley, Ph.D.
Ethan Coston, Ph.D., VCU Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies
Kathryn Howell, Ph.D., University of Maryland
Sunny Kim
Dissertation
Neighborhood, home, and community-based services (HCBS), and older adults’ health in Virginia
Dissertation Chair
Kyeongmo Kim, Ph.D. Committee
Denise Burnette, Ph.D.
Hollee McGinnis, Ph.D.
Jenny Inker, Ph.D., VCU College of Health Professions
Angela Matijczak
Dissertation
Family rejection and affirmation experiences among racially and ethnically minoritized youth who identify as transgender and/or gender diverse
Dissertation Chair
Maurice Gattis, Ph.D.
Committee
Alex Wagaman, Ph.D.
Nicole Corley, Ph.D.
Jacob Goffnett, Ph.D.
Eli Coston, Ph.D., VCU Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies
Hilary Terase Stim
Dissertation
Exploring the experience of refugee youth in public schools: An ethical phenomenological inquiry
Dissertation Chair
Elizabeth Cramer, Ph.D.
Committee
Nicole Corley, Ph.D.
Miriam Kuttikat, Ph.D.
Kurt Stemhagen, Ph.D., VCU School of Education
Mauricio P. Yabar
Dissertation
“I call them supermoms”: Therapists’ reflections on the impact of youth sexual offending on Latina mothers
Dissertation Chair
Traci Wike, Ph.D.
Committee
Nicole Corley, Ph.D.
Oswaldo Moreno, Ph.D., VCU Department of Psychology
Melissa D. Grady, Ph.D., Catholic University of America
Jamie Yoder, Ph.D., Colorado State University
December 2023 graduate
Britney E. Pitts
Dissertation
Wrestling with the one drop rule: Exploring multiraciality in social work education
Dissertation Chair
Jamie Cage, Ph.D.
Committee
Nicole Corley, Ph.D.
Elizabeth Cramer, Ph.D.
Lynnette Mawhinney, Ph.D., Rutgers University-Newark
M.S.W.
Graduates
Aggarwal, Reebha
Al saeed, Zainab
Al-Barzinji, Sibel
Alakhras, Haneen
Alexander, Audrey
Alfonsi, Kristen
Allen, Karolina
Allen, Lisa
Amos, Becca
Anderson, Kegan
Ansari, Yusuf
Anthony, Christina
Apollony, Lexi
Arroyo, Heidi
Austria, Rachel
Ayala, Tianna
Balch Cronk, Andi
Barnett, Sav
Barnhill, Kelly
Barone, Gianna
Batool, Fatima
Bivins, Jenni
Bonilla, Eliza
Botvinnik, Sarah
Bowers, Molly
Boyle, Elena
Branscome Dominy, Breanna
Brosius, Alex
Bryant, Jasmine
Bryant, Makayla
Burris, Lauren
Burzynski, Jordan
Cain, Samantha
Camp, Jamie
Campbell, William Cannon, Ce’Ara
Carlson, Abby
Carper, Bri
Chibber, Priyam
Clark, Jordan
Cline, Kaitlyn
Colden-Burson, Shamia
Comer, Kara
Comerford, Rachel
Conner, Stephanie
Cooper, Victoria
Crilly, Paige
Cross, Cynthia
Cruickshanks, Eilidh
Cunningham, Lindsay
Curtis, Reiley
Daley-Quental, Christina
Davis, Shaquanna
De Paz, Ruth
Diamond, Joshua
Dobra, Jordan
Dodd, Lauren
Dodd, Sarah
Dominguez-Brick, Elena
Dowell, Laura
Duffy, Morgan
DuLong, Christa
Dwyer, Kelsey
Eley, Miyah
Fadel, Sydney
Faherty, Lauren
Faith, Samantha
Fanney, Makenzie
Fields, Courtney
Finifrock, Kira
Flanagan, Alice
Flores, Yessica
Fore, Destiny
Fore, Eleanor
Freixa, Tina
Fulp-Eickstaedt, Martie
Gagble, Sefa
Garcia Alvarez, Elizabeth
Gaspari, Maria
Gerena, Rose
Gersten, Ames
Getsey, Hillary
Ghivizzani, Faith
Gianni, Gianna
Gillespie, Daniel
Glover, James
Gordillo, Andressa
Gravely, Colleen
Grossi, Emilee
Gude, Christa
Hackett, Melody
Harrington, Kate
Harrison, Stephanie
Harth, Ren
Haynes, Molly
Heatwole, Jenny
Heinrich, Emma
Hessler, Ashley
Hettrick, Lilly
Hicks, Brittney
Hill, Kaylin
Holland, Ashley
Honeycutt, Bailey
Horton, Sierra
Hunt, Latraceia
Ivey, Bridget
Jackson, Hallie
Jackson, Kaprice
James, Alliyah
Jayo, Jaclyn
Jernigan, Jules
Jessar, Olivia
Jo, Ara
Johnson, Anna Jane
Johnson, Antwain
Johnson, Paige
Joseph-Obi, Chioma
Joseph, Caitlyn
Kadanoff, Samantha
Keenan, Emily
Kelahan, Casey
Kenner, Julia
Kennon, Lee
Kestner, Hannah
Kwan, Bianca
Lahkim-Bennani, Caroline Lambert, Jenelle
Layo, Aimee
Ledesma, Whitney Lin, Ling-Yun Lindsey, Claire Loss, Kelly Mack, Jessica
Mair, Tavan
Malluwa Wadu, Ann
Martinek, Andrew
Martinez, Florence Mason, Camryn
Matijczak, Angela
Mayers-Walker, Ayaan
McBee, Michol
McCutcheon, Ailsa
McDonald, Louise
McNulty, Rebecca
McWhirt, Caroline
Miller, Cara
Monserrate, Audrey
Mynar, Kiersten
Nallen, Daniel
Newsome Moody, Betsy
Oakley, Chelsea
Oh, Beck
Oliva, Sara
Orr, Morgan
Paz, Eric
Phillips, Caroline
Phillips, Natasha
Pollock, Rachel
Radcliffe, Jennifer
Rankin, Savannah
Ratcliffe, Becky
Reynolds, Chastity
Roane, Marvin
Robeson, Sarah
Robson, Bianca
Rodler, Abby
Rone, Angela-Marie
Ross, Angela
Ross, Michal
Rump, Todd
Sales, Ana
Santini, Sammi
Schlaefer, Anastasia
Shannon, Rebekah
Sharps, Amanda
Sheets, Gabrielle
Shields, Rachelle
Shivers, Marquia
Shope, Jacob
Simmons, Grace
Stapleton, Katie
Steeneck, Amber
Sullivan, Hannah
Sutherland, Larissa
Sykes, Sara
Taylor-Jenkins, Tennea
Taylor, Jamaica
Teague, Rose
Thakkar, Layla
Thomas-Jackson, Asianna
Thomas, Amala
Torres, Karin
Totaro, Magnolia
Tran, Melissa
Trump, Suji
Vasquez, Vanja
Volante, Katie
Walia, Marissa
Watkins, Chloe
Watts, Elaine
Wekenmann, Noelle
Wells, Rachel
Williams, Cameron
Williams, Jesse
Williams, Shannon
Wilson, Julianne
Wise, Paige
Withrow, Rebekah
Wong, Derek
Woodson, Lakisha
Woody, Brooks
Wright, Darriel
Yenyo, Casey
December 2023 graduates
Albert, Mitzi
Arabia-Meyer, Elena
Battle, Ezell
Beenhouwer, Philip
Bernard, Syndia
Bishop-Hardimon, Jarre
Brown, Monique
Buettner, Tina
Cavalcante, Monica
Clapp, Devon
Credle, Ellis
Curtis, Kala
David, Jacob
David, Steven
Davis, Katy
Dozier, Tamica
Farrar, Bo
Feezor, Monir
Floyd, Ashley
Fuquay, Courtney
Gonzalez, Francesca
Goswick, Sarah
Gradford, Raena
Gregory-Burruss, Ashley
Haislip, Bri
Hanig, Cindy
Hawkins, Jennifer
Henshaw, Erin
James, Jocelin
James-McMillan, Tamara
Johnson, Cheyenne
Jones, Jessica
Kamilov, Timur
King, Michele
Kittrell, Brielle
Lamprecht, Elise
Lincoln, Jessica
Lowery, Warren
Manya, Casey
Mathew-Gilmore, Dillon
Mccray, Lashonde
Melini, Bailey
Menard, Francis
Moss, Tytianna
Nevels, Derek
August 2024 graduates
Acevedo, Cynthia Yvette
Barrion, Deanie
Bridgen, Julia Isabel
Davis, Patrick
Haase, Alicia
Ho, Ariel
Klauer, Sheryl Outten
Marecheau, Kazia
Martin, Ty
Mayo, DeJon
Molina, Dan
Nickerson, Rebecca
Orr, James Leighton
Paquette, Christine Marie
Peterson, Hailey
Ruano, Paige
Seyoum, Helen
Starr, Camille
Territo, Paola
Tuffaha Grigg, Nadia
Via, Elizabeth Anne
Wittwer, Brooke
Yoo, Grace
Zarnegar, Jessica Galazka
B.S.W. Graduates
Adkins, Britney
Aguilar, Katelyn++
Anderson, Amelia
Arata, Faith+++
Astatike, Mel+
Baldwin, Sarah
Bangoura, Nedea+++
Barrett, Pamela+
Bean, Kaity++
Beauchamp, Beaux
Berlin, Sarah+
Bernard, Taylor
Boyce, Jp+
Breegle, Savannah+
Brookman, Sydney+
Brown, Vonjanique
Bryant, Nicole+
Carter, Kimberley
Cass, Sade
Cerritos Rivas, Rosy++
Chase-goins, Ahniya
Chester, Caroline+
Claure, Carolina+
Cohen, Jenna
Cole, Kaitlin
Conley, Sonia
Conrow, Sophia++
Cox, Sadie
Crowder, Diana
Dann, Nicole++
De Castro, Maricar++
Dineen, Makayla++
Dunn, Kira++
Ezzard, Austin+++
Fleischman, Anastasia++
Fortney, Jillian+++
Gentile, Elizabeth+++
Gregory, Katie++
Hall, Ashley
Hannah, Clajiah++
Hoare, Nicholas
Hoholik, Jack+
Holland, Hannah
Holmes, Faith++
James, Takhia+
Johnson, Nancy++
Kudiabor, Catherine++
Lader, Ariel
Lane, Julianne+
Leaupepe, Samantha+
Lowe, Jamia+
Mabry, Chandler+
Majid, Tasnuva+
Martinez, Giselle+
Martinez, Jailine+++
Miller, Ashton+
Mora, Ro+++
Murphey, Madison+++
Nadel, Lily++
Pardo, Alana
Park, Emily++
Perez Pardo, Nicole+
Perry, Beau++
Price, Faith++
Ramashwar, Kavita+
Ramirez, Molly+
Rhoten, Danielle
Rivers, Ashton
Ruiz, Kayla++
Schooler, Colin+
Shiflett, Angie
Singleton, Jasmine
Slattery, Catherine+
Spriggs, Anayah+
Squirewell, Jada
Stahl, Madeline
Swope, Kayla++
Thomas, Krizzia
Valenzuela, Josselyn
Wallace, Elizabeth++
December 2023 graduates
Andrews, Leah++
Harris, Kailey+
Moses, Asia
August 2024 graduates
Lewis, Amber
+++ Summa cum laude (3.9-4.0 GPA)
++ Magna cum laude (3.6-3.89 GPA)
+ Cum laude (3.3-3.59 GPA)
Only undergraduate students are eligible for honors designations. Due to rigid time constraints, this program must be printed before the final list of degree candidates can be determined. The exclusion of the name of a student is not to be taken as an indication of official status as a non-graduate, nor is the inclusion of the name of a student to be taken as a certification of official status as a graduate.
Faculty & Staff Congratulations
“A million congratulations. This is an epic accomplishment.”
-Nicole L. Lee, Ph.D.
“Excited for this graduating class! Best of luck moving forward.”
-Cassie-DeSena Jacobs, D.S.W., LCSW
“Congratulations and best wishes! ‘The way to right a wrong is to turn the light of truth upon them’ -Ida B. Wells.”
-Lashawnda Singleton, (B.S.W.’14), M.P.A.
“Congratulations! Best wishes as you embark on the next chapter. I’ll continue to cheer you on!”
-Nicole L. O-Pries, M.S.W., LCSW
“Congrats to all of our amazing graduates!”
-Mer Francis, Ph.D.
“You did it! You inspire me. Now let’s go make this world a better place.”
-Kimberly S. Compton, Ph.D.
“You have worked hard to get to this day and deserve to be celebrated as you close this chapter and start writing the next!”
-Naomi Sutton Reddish, M.S.W.
“Congratulations to our amazing 2024 graduates! You are incredible and we are so proud to experience this moment with you.”
-Rachel Hosig, B.S.W.
“Congratulations all B.S.W., M.S.W. and Ph.D. graduates! We are proud of all of your accomplishments!”
-Ananda Newmark, Ph.D.
“Wishing you the best as you launch into your futures! Be the change, Class of 2024!”
-Hollee A. McGinnis, Ph.D.
“Welcome to the social work profession, graduates!”
-Elizabeth P. Cramer, Ph.D.
“Congrats, grads! Wishing you success in your post-graduation adventures!”
-Madison Woodroof, M.S.W.
“Congratulations to all B.S.W., M.S.W. and Ph.D. graduates!”
-Humberto E. Fabelo, Ph.D., LCSW
Congratulations to Student Ambassadors Angela-Marie Rone & Lindsay Cunningham for their two years of service to the School of Social Work and the Office of of Student Success in this role.
Faculty
• Adrienne Baldwin-White, Ph.D., assistant professor
• Frank R. Baskind, Ph.D., dean emeritus and professor
• Qasarah Bey Spencer, Ed.D., assistant professor in teaching
• Matthew Bogenschutz, Ph.D., associate professor
• Denise Burnette, Ph.D., Samuel S. Wurtzel Endowed Faculty Chair in Social Work and professor
• Jamie L. Cage, Ph.D., associate professor
• Karen G. Chartier, Ph.D, associate professor
• Stevara Haley Clark, Ed.D., associate professor in teaching
• Kimberly S. Compton, Ph.D., assistant professor in teaching
• Nicole A. Corley, Ph.D., associate professor
• Elizabeth P. Cramer, Ph.D., LCSW, professor
• Gary S. Cuddeback, Ph.D., professor
• Cassie Desena-Jacobs, D.S.W., LCSW, assistant professor in teaching
• Humberto E. Fabelo, Ph.D., LCSW, associate professor
• Mer Francis, Ph.D., assistant professor
• Maurice N. Gattis, Ph.D., associate professor
• Jacob Goffnett, Ph.D., assistant professor
• McKenzie N. Green, Ph.D., assistant professor
• Hyojin Im, Ph.D., associate professor
• Muthoni Imungi, Ph.D., associate professor in teaching
• Kyeongmo Kim, Ph.D., associate professor
• Youngmi Kim, Ph.D., associate professor
• Miriam Kuttikat, Ph.D., associate professor
• Nicole L. Lee, Ph.D., associate professor in teaching
• Hollee A. McGinnis, Ph.D., assistant professor
• Ananda Newmark, Ph.D., associate professor in teaching
• Stephanie G. Odera, Ed.D., associate professor in teaching
• Nicole L. O-Pries, M.S.W., LCSW, associate professor in teaching
• Naomi Sutton Reddish, M.S.W., assistant professor in teaching
• Allison K. Ryals, M.S.W., LCSW, associate professor in teaching
• Sunny H. Shin, Ph.D., professor
• Rebecca Smith, Ph.D., instructor & program manager, undergraduate research
• M. Alex Wagaman, Ph.D., associate professor
• Traci L. Wike, Ph.D., associate professor
• Shenita Williams, Ph.D., LCSW, assistant professor in teaching
Administration and staff
• Robert Anderson, M.S., upper-level B.S.W. student success advisor
• Allison Bell, M.A., executive assistant to the dean
• LaKesha Bennett, B.A., senior recruitment specialist
• Matthew Bogenschutz, Ph.D., co-chair, School Assembly
• Sarah Burton-Everette, M.Ed., director, advising and retention
• Stevara Haley Clark, Ed.D., interim associate dean, academic and student affairs; director, online education
• Lakeita Clarkson, M.S., M.S.W. student success advisor
• Kimberly S. Compton, Ph.D., assistant director, M.S.W. Program
• Gary S. Cuddeback, Ph.D., interim dean; associate dean, research; interim associate dean, faculty affairs
• Humberto E. Fabelo, Ph.D., LCSW, interim director, Ph.D. Program
• Kiara Faulks, M.A., senior recruitment specialist
• Nicholas Fetzer, M.P.A., assistant provost, finance & administration
• Liana Fino, B.S., senior research administrator
• Cinnamon M. Francis, M.Sc., enrollment and agreements manager, field education
• Anna Givens, M.P.A., leadership annual giving officer
• Janina Holly, B.S., communications specialist
• Kristin A. Hopkins, M.A., assistant, M.S.W. admissions
• Rachel Hosig, B.S.W., B.S., academic program coordinator
• Rebecca Johnson, Ph.D., student success writing advisor
• Kimberly King, administrative coordinator, field education; president, Staff Council
• Lacy, Caroline, M.Ed., M.S.W. student success advisor
• Nicole L. Lee, Ph.D., director, M.S.W. Program
• Geoff LoCicero, M.L.I.S., director, communications
• Amanda Long, M.S.W., coordinator, community engaged child and family well-being initiatives
• Jackie Maroney, fiscal services specialist
• Katy Martin-Poindexter, A.A.S., HR generalist
• Vanessa McCauley, B.S.W., HR generalist
• Mieko Michelle, MA.Ed., coordinator, M.S.W. Program
• Sterling Murray, B.S., student success administrative coordinator
• Bennett Newman, M.B.A., senior financial administrator
• Stephanie G. Odera, Ed.D., director, B.S.W. Program
• Kristal Parada, M.S., lower-level B.S.W. student success advisor
• Julie Pence, M.Ed., M.S.W. student success advisor
• Jazmyn Porter, M.P.H., M.S.W., assistant director, field education
• Ieesah Ramsey, Ph.D., director, student success
• James V. Romanik, M.B.A., senior director, development
• Allison K. Ryals, M.S.W., LCSW, assistant director, B.S.W. Program
• Mary Simpson, M.S.W., M.S.W. student success advisor
• Leetah Stanley, M.Th., senior development coordinator
• Annie Wade, M.B.A., HR business partner
• Micah Weedman, Ph.D., term prep designer
• Henrietta White, B.S., HR generalist
• Shenita Williams, Ph.D., director, field education
• Madison Woodroof, M.S.W., program field coordinator
• Rachel B. Zeeve, B.A., alumni engagement officer
Farewell
Frank R. Baskind, Ph.D.
Dean emeritus and professor
Dr. Baskind has spent 53 years in social work education, and now he and his wife, Pat, are looking forward to his retirement. Before coming to VCU, Baskind served as founding director of the B.S.W. program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and dean of the School of Social Work and then founding dean of the School of Social Work and Human Services at Southern Connecticut State University.
After 32½ years at Virginia Commonwealth University, his career is drawing to a close this summer. He has served as dean emeritus and professor in the VCU School of Social Work since 2013, after previously holding the role of university ombudsman for five years and dean of social work for 16½ years.
“I was interested in a helping career,” he said, and that career took twists and turns. With his social work degree, he started his career in higher education as an assistant professor in a baccalaureate nursing education program. Before entering higher education, Dr. Baskind worked in a police department as a social worker, as a medical social worker in a chronic disease and rehabilitation hospital, and he developed a suicide prevention and crisis intervention helpline in central Connecticut. He noted, “The knowledge, values and skills of social work education are transferable in practice settings.”
Baskind, the third-longest-serving dean at the school, followed two legends in social work – and VCU lore – in Elaine Z. Rothenberg and Grace Harris. Rothenberg was the first woman appointed dean of the school (1972-82) and served in national leadership roles. Harris (1982-1991) was the first Black woman to serve as dean at the school and later the first to become provost and vice president for academic affairs at VCU; she also was interim president of the university twice.
“It was an awestruck experience,” Baskind said of succeeding the two. “They were powerhouses in social work education.”
He was more than up to the challenge of succeeding them. He supported and worked with faculty and staff, resulting in national prominence. He created dedicated administrative positions focused on research, community engagement, strategic initiatives, recruitment and retention. With the leadership contributions of the faculty, the school saw the creation of the first course offerings via distance-education technology. Dual master’s degrees and certificates of study were developed to expand learning opportunities.
The school was awarded federal contracts to administer Head Start programs for child development in community agencies. Dr. Baskind and faculty colleagues created international connections in Belarus, Ukraine, Belize, Ghana and the Dominican Republic, and launched an annual Social Justice Week.
Faculty scholarly productivity ranked as high as second nationally in a survey of six major social work journals from 2004-2008. The master’s program, ranked No. 26 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report in 1993-94, moved into the top 20, peaking at No. 13 in 1999-2000; the ranking moved as high as No. 11 the year after Baskind moved to his ombudsman role, reflecting his final year of leadership.
“I am most proud of the scholarly, instructional contributions, and community contributions of our faculty members and the successful careers of our graduates,” Dr. Baskind said. “And with today’s school leadership team and the cadre of faculty, the school’s social work programs will continue to flourish.”
Transitioning to retirement, Baskind’s priorities are clear: “Family first!”
Scan the QR code or visit go.vcu.edu/baskind to learn more about Dr. Baskind’s career.
Farewell
Elizabeth “Liz” P. Cramer, Ph.D., LCSW, ACSW
Professor
Dr. Cramer’s career in social work was always about who she wanted to be and not what she wanted to do, a distinction she recently pointed out to an upcoming graduate.
“In talking with my oldest grandson, a senior in high school, I asked him ‘who do you want to be,’ as in what kind of person do you want to be?” Not ‘what do you want to do?’ I told him I was fortunate that I’ve had a career as a social worker and social work educator that fostered who I’ve wanted to be in my life.
“I realize not everyone has that opportunity and I’m grateful that I’ve had it. I’ve learned from every student I’ve ever taught, and I hope that they took away something from our time together that will help them to be who they want to be in their lives.”
Dr. Cramer will be retiring at the end of the 2023-2024 academic year after 28 years with the VCU School of Social Work. She has moved up through the faculty ranks from assistant professor to associate to full professor; and also served as a special assistant to the provost for diversity; as an affiliate faculty in the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies; and with the VCU Institute for Inclusion, Inquiry & Innovation’s Transdisciplinary Core: Intersections in the Lives of LGBTQIA+ Communities.
She earned her M.S.W. from the University of Michigan and her Ph.D. in social work and a graduate certificate in
women’s studies from the University of South Carolina. She also taught at Eastern Michigan University, and worked with survivors of intimate partner violence, an experience that motivated her to pursue a doctoral degree.
What are the highlights of your VCU School of Social Work career? I chose to accept the offer from the school in part because of its commitment to advancing social justice. Over the years, I think we’ve tried to take meaningful steps toward what this might look like, including our current commitment to anti-Black racism.
The strong female faculty was also a draw for me as well as the sense of community among the faculty. I’ve particularly enjoyed working with faculty, staff and students in other units, such as Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies, and iCubed and IExcel. Longterm collaborative university-community partnerships, such as the I-CAN! Accessibility Project and Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention (LEAP), have been very rewarding as well. I believe that teaching (and learning from) and mentoring students has been the most important role I’ve had in my position.
If you could have a career do-over, what would it be? Figure out how to incorporate more rest. Be better at setting boundaries. Academic culture has its own particular “grind,” and it can deplete one’s mind, body and spirit.
How has the profession changed over the years? Burgeoning online programs; attention to power, privilege and oppression; changes in policies. For example, sexual orientation and gender identity and expression were not in VCU’s nondiscrimination statement when I first came, and I was part of the advocacy efforts to change this.
What is next for you in retirement? I’ve been a “human doing” for several decades. I’d like to move into living authentically as a “human being.” Quite fortunately, my wife, Jewel, and I are both retiring at the same time. We both volunteer for Special Olympics, the Neighborhood Resource Center and the Richmond Folk Festival, so we will continue to do so. I’ve taken up West African drumming, and I would like to learn how to play the ukulele. I’d also like to be an apprentice to someone who trains dogs to be therapy animals, through such programs as Paws Unleash Potential (PUP readers), or Dogs on Call. Jewel and I also look forward to spending more time with our daughter and grandkids.
Advice for graduates
Scan the QR code for a list of “Lizisms,” wisdom Dr. Cramer shares with students in her direct practice class at the conclusion of the course.
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work
Academic Learning Commons
1000 Floyd Avenue, Third Floor Box 842027
Richmond, Virginia 23284-2027
Phone: (804) 828-1030
Email: sswinfo@vcu.edu
Website: socialwork.vcu.edu
Siegel Center floor plan/seating details
