Saint Louis University School of Social Work

On March 14th, we gathered for Field Instructor Appreciation Day with the Saint Louis Field Collaborative, dedicating the day to learning, reflection, and growth. This year’s focus centered on St. Louis’ history and politics, offering professional development that deepened our understanding of advocacy, mentorship, and systemic change. A highlight of the day was a powerful panel featuring Elizabeth Fuch, Sheree Hickman, Evan Krauss, Sabrina Tyuse, and Christine Woody, who discussed the crucial role social workers play in advocacy. Thank you to all of our field instructors for your dedication to shaping future social workers and advancing equity in our communities!

Kenya Brumfield-Young, Criminology & Criminal Justice professor at SLU, was featured on NPR’s St. Louis on the Air this week! She shared her expertise on the wrongful conviction case of Chris Dunn and the challenges within Missouri’s criminal justice system. Listen to the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gJHG_q9C

On March 4, 2025, Dr. Jin Huang participated as an invited panelist in the Financial Inclusion Policy Dialogue Panel hosted by Global Affairs Canada. The panel, titled “Addressing the Impact of Gender and Digital Financial Inclusion Disparities on Financial Well-being Across the Life Span,” was convened as part of the First APEC Senior Officials’ Meetings in Gyeongju, South Korea. The panel included representatives from Canada, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Peru, and Singapore. Dr. Huang presented the work of the FCAB GC, highlighting the unique role of social workers in advancing financial inclusion for women and other minority populations. Dr. Huang emphasized the contributions of social workers through both macro policy development and implementation (e.g., asset-based social policies and Child Development Accounts) and micro financial guidance social services (e.g., financial education, counseling, coaching, and therapy). Dr. Huang will collaborate with the panel to produce a policy dialogue report aimed at promoting financial inclusion across APEC economies.

SLU School of Social Work students and faculty took their passion for advocacy to the Missouri State Capitol for Capitol Advocacy Day! Representing SLU alongside faculty and peers, our students engaged with legislators on key social justice issues, putting their classroom knowledge into real-world action. Their voices are shaping policies that impact communities across Missouri! A huge shoutout to our future changemakers for their dedication to making a difference. #SLUSocialWork #AdvocacyInAction ?? Read more: https://lnkd.in/gzTFgu2g

We are incredibly proud of our current MSW student, Sam Hall, for organizing the inaugural Lights of Remembrance ceremony as part of Black History Month at Saint Louis University. In collaboration with Robin Proudie, founder of the Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved (DSLUE), Sam brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members to honor the lives and contributions of enslaved individuals who helped build and sustain the University and other Jesuit missions in Missouri during the 19th century. The event was a powerful evening of reflection, remembrance, and healing. Thank you, Sam, for your leadership and dedication to this important cause!

Join us in congratulating Dr. Wendy DuCassé, SSW Field Director, and Sam Hall, MSW graduate student, for being honored at SLU’s 3rd Annual Black History Month Celebration and Awards Ceremony! Their dedication and impact within the School of Social Work and beyond continue to inspire us. Thank you, Dr. DuCassé and Sam, for your commitment to social justice and community engagement! Read more about the event and all the incredible honorees here: https://lnkd.in/g9nw47_a #SLUSSW #BlackHistoryMonth #SocialWork #Leadership #Excellence

The School of Social Work is excited to announce that SLU is an R1 Research Institution, a designation that affirms its place among preeminent research universities in the United States.

Huge congratulations to our incredible student-athlete, Delaney Rice (BSSW 2024), for being named to the Academic All-District Team! Delaney exemplifies excellence both on the court as a standout volleyball player and in the classroom as a dedicated Social Work student. We're so proud of your hard work, achievements, and commitment to making a difference! #BillikenPride #SLUSocialWork #studentathlete Read more about Delaney's recognition here: https://lnkd.in/g9_7a7pj

ICYMI: SLU has named Edward J. Feser, Ph.D., its 34th president. A Jesuit-educated, Roman Catholic leader in higher education, Feser is currently the provost and EVP at Oregon State University. He will join SLU on July 1, 2025. Meet the president-elect: https://loom.ly/FbaB_Zk

At Saint Louis University's School of Social Work, we strive to make a meaningful impact in our community and beyond. This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in advancing our mission of service and justice. Your generosity supports the education of future social workers, criminologists, and behavior analysts dedicated to creating a better world. Make your gift by Dec. 3 to be part of SLU’s Giving Tuesday totals. Together, let’s be the difference. #GivingTuesday #OneSLU