University of Missouri School of Social Work

Dr. Dani Adams recently presented at the Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research in the Netherlands. Her work on Psychedelic Medicine Legislative Reform and Legalization in the USA also included MSW student, Gregory Williams.

Congratulations to Dr. Kelli Canada on her appointment as Associate Dean for Research in the College of Health Sciences! As a professor in the School of Social Work, Dr. Canada has provided exceptional leadership to our faculty, helping to grow grant funding, scholarly productivity, and research impact. We are excited to see the continued influence of her leadership in this new role.

Please join us in congratulating Kelli Canada on being named associate dean for research in the Mizzou College of Health Sciences, effective July 1.

A highly accomplished researcher, Canada brings an extensive record of externally funded work and national leadership in her field. Her experience building partnerships and advancing impactful research will help strengthen our college’s research mission.

Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x3sEX

We’re excited to highlight a meaningful new addition to the School of Social Work, a powerful piece of artwork by Monica McGee. The framed art depicts Little Rock Central High School, a national historic site that stands as a powerful symbol of the Civil Rights Movement and the courage of the Little Rock Nine. Art has the power to spark conversation, reflection, and change, and we’re honored to bring this piece into our space. 🎨💛

📸: Dr. Thompson with his family, where he found this incredible artwork and met the artist, Monica McGee.

Congratulations to MSW/PhD graduate Dr. Douglas Attoh Odongo on this well-deserved recognition from SSWR! 🎉 His research is helping improve employment outcomes and quality of life for young adults with autism, and we are proud to celebrate his accomplishments and contributions to the field of social work research. 👏💛🖤

Meet SSWR member Dr. Douglas Attoh Odongo, who recently successfully defended his dissertation at the University of Missouri in Columbia, which focused on improving employability and job satisfaction among young adults with autism. Congratulations, Dr. Odongo!

He holds a Bachelor of Social Work and an MPhil. in Sociology from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. He is forging applied research in the world of autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. His research advances applied work in autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, with a focus on identifying evidence-based interventions that support young adults with autism as they transition into adulthood. He has also published on intellectual disabilities and healthcare, urban streets and education, and continues to expand his research contributions. Learn more about Dr. Odongo here: https://sswr.org/news/727643/SSWR-Member-Spotlight-Dr.-Douglas-Odongo.htm

Upcoming deadline:

Applications to the online BSW professional program are 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟭 for the Fall 2026 cohort. For additional information visit our Secondary Application website.

BSW admission and application Step 1: Apply to Mizzou Type of student Application instructions First-time college student Apply to MU and choose Social Work – Pre-Social Work as your major. Transfer students Complete the MU Undergraduate Admissions Application and note “Pre-Social Work” as your intended majo...

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: Dr. Clark Peters, Associate Professor, presented at the International Foster Care Research Conference in Zagreb, Croatia on his study, Embracing Risk: Resituating Safety, Wellbeing, and Permanency in Dignity of Risk Framework to Transform Child Welfare. This research was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Caitlin Bartley.

The SSW has a lot to celebrate this month! Please join us in congratulating our outstanding social work faculty members who were recognized at the College of Health Sciences Awards Celebration yesterday! 🎉👏

🏆 Dr. Dani Adams — Excellence in Clinical Services Award
🏆 Dr. Jen First — Lewis & Clark Discovery Early Career Award
🏆 Dr. Ashley Givens — Lewis & Clark Discovery Award for Excellence
🏆 Dr. Mansoo Yu (not pictured) — Faculty Engagement Award

These awards reflect the dedication, innovation, and impact our faculty bring to teaching, research, service, and community engagement every day. We are grateful for all they do to advance social work and support our students and communities. 💛🖤