Whitney M. Young, Jr. School of Social Work

08/25/2026

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
The search for our inaugural Forever Young Fellows has officially begun! We’re looking for WMYJSSW alumni whose leadership, service, and impact embody the legacy of Whitney M. Young Jr.

Self-applications AND nominations are welcome!
Only 10 alumni will be selected.
Apply or nominate by September 25, 2026.
Be seen. Be heard. Be Forever Young.
https://tinyurl.com/ForverYoung26

08/24/2026

WMYJSSW students received a special first-day surprise when Provost Charlene Gilbert and Dean Jackson, LICSW, stopped by their classrooms to personally welcome them and wish them a successful year ahead.

Their visit brought excitement, encouragement, and Panther Pride into the classroom as our students began another year of learning, growth, and preparation to become the next generation of social work leaders and changemakers.

Provost Gilbert shared these words of encouragement with our students:

"I am so excited to welcome our students to the Fall 2026 semester! Social Work is one of those professions that impacts nearly every aspect of society. Social Workers are serving communities everywhere. They are in our hospitals, our schools, our non-profit organizations, and our government agencies. So, it is particularly exciting for me to see all of our incredible social work students entering this building today to receive the training that will prepare them for a profession deeply tied to our university motto: A Culture For Service. I am filled with Panther Pride watching our Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work students, faculty, and staff begin this journey."

We’re excited for all that the 2026–2027 academic year has in store. Welcome back, WMYJSSW! 🐾
hashtag

08/21/2026

The WMYJSSW Faculty & Staff Retreat was a success! Our team came together for a day of collaboration, reflection, and intentional planning as we prepare for an impactful 2026–2027 academic year.

From meaningful conversations to shared ideas and renewed goals, the retreat gave us an opportunity to strengthen our collective vision and recommit ourselves to what matters most—our students, our School, and the communities we serve.

We’re entering this academic year energized, aligned, and ready to continue building on the legacy of excellence at the Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work.

Here’s to a great year ahead! 🐾
hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

08/20/2026

On Tuesday, WMYJSSW hosted the Orientation for 2026/27 REDI Scholars.
REDI is the Research and Development Infrastructure Project to Transition Clark Atlanta University to R1 (REDI CAU to R1).

The REDI project is designed to support the growth of CAU’s graduate programs as part of CAU’s strategic plan, Destination 2028, and ascension to a Carnegie Doctoral University: Very High Research Activity (R1) classification using a multi-prong strategy that will focus on:

1. A paradigm shift among our non-STEM departments regarding their doctoral funding model,
2. Reducing time to graduation,
3. Developing programs to support an increase in doctoral degree completion, and
4. Improving grantsmanship amongst our faculty, including increased participation in multidisciplinary multi-institutional research and development centers, to increase CAU research and support for our doctoral students. (This effort is designed to increase support for students at all levels.)

REDI is built on five pillars:
1. University policies that promote high-quality research
and process improvement,
2. Strategic faculty hires,
3. Faculty development and faculty mentoring,
4. Updated funding model for graduate students, and
5. Enhancement of collaborative research and development
of research centers.

08/19/2026

Today marks the first day of a new academic year at the Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work, and we were excited to welcome our students back!

Dean Jackson, along with WMYJSSW faculty and staff, greeted students as they arrived—sharing smiles, encouragement, and plenty of Panther Pride.

Whether you're beginning your social work journey or returning to continue what you started, this year brings new opportunities to learn, lead, serve, and make an impact.

To our students: Welcome home! We’re excited to see what you accomplish this year. Let’s make 2026–2027 one to remember!

08/17/2026

Introducing the Forever Young Fellows! The Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work is preparing to recognize and celebrate 10 distinguished alumni who embody the legacy, leadership, and impact of Whitney M. Young Jr. through our new Forever Young YouTube Series.

Applications open August 24, 2026. Stay tuned—more information is coming soon!

08/13/2026

Thinking about studying abroad? Now is the time. Join one of the upcoming informational sessions to learn more about our spring break trip to St. Croix.

08/12/2026

It’s officially move-in day! CAU band members are on Thayer Quad providing the soundtrack for our students and their families as they prepare for the 26-27 academic year! Let’s goooooo! https://lnkd.in/p/gPT_k_84

08/10/2026

Today, we honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Shonda Lawrence. As family, friends, colleagues, students, and loved ones come together to remember Dr. Lawrence, we invite those who are unable to attend in person to join the Celebration of Life virtually.

The service will be held today, Monday, August 10, at 11:45 a.m.

Please use the virtual link below to join us as we reflect on Dr. Lawrence’s life, contributions, and the lasting impact she made on so many.

May we continue to honor her legacy through the lives she touched, the knowledge she shared, and the work she so deeply valued.

Monday, Aug 10th, 2026ACOG 6320 Dorchester Ave.Chicago, IL.60637

08/04/2026

Congratulations Kenya C. Jones, PhD, LMSW! "The newest edition of Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping has officially been published, and I am honored to have served as Guest Editor for the first of three special issues centered on Navigating Change: Reflective Insights for Helping Professionals in Shifting Political Landscapes.

This special issue brings together scholars and practitioners from across the helping professions to examine the impact of today’s evolving political landscape on practice, education, leadership, and advocacy. It represents a meaningful opportunity to elevate timely scholarship while showcasing interdisciplinary perspectives on issues that are shaping our profession.

The issue also includes a special memorial tribute honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Shonda Lawrence, whose contributions to social work and social work education continue to inspire our profession.

I am proud to represent Clark Atlanta University through this editorial leadership opportunity and grateful for the support of the Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work. I hope this publication reflects our school’s ongoing commitment to advancing scholarship, thought leadership, and service to the profession." - Kenya C. Jones, PhD, LMSW

Take a look at the issue:

https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/issue/current