Dean Yarneccia D. Dyson

Today marks the beginning of the 57th year of celebrating Pride Month. While many associate the month-long observance with its roots in the 1969 Stonewall riots, it's also time to learn, appreciate, and reflect upon local LGBTQ+ history of the past, present, and future.

In Houston, there is no shortage of trailblazers who bring pride to Pride Month. From activists like Pokey Anderson and Keith McGee to organizations such as the Montrose Center and the Diana Foundation, the city's LGBTQ+ community has been safeguarded by committed advocates for decades.

Throughout June, some of these advocates — called Community Cornerstones — will be featured on this page. Many of them are partners of the Graduate College of Social Work. We also welcome thoughts from our followers (in the comments) on who you want to commend as someone who brings pride to Pride Month.

As I reflect on my first year as Dean of the UH Graduate College of Social Work, I am filled with deep gratitude and energized by what lies ahead.

Our future is bright, and I remain deeply committed to charting a bold path forward—together.

Here’s to continued impact, innovation, and excellence.

Happy one-year anniversary to Dean Yarneccia D. Dyson!

The GCSW community is grateful for your leadership and we look forward to the continued progress and impact ahead.

Please be on the lookout for an official message from Dean Dyson later this week. In the meantime, we invite you to join us in celebrating this important milestone.

Welcome to the UH Graduate College of Social Work, Dr. Paat!

Join the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work in welcoming our newest tenure faculty member! Yok-Fong Paat, PhD, LCSW, from UTEP Social Work, joins the GCSW this Summer.

Her scholarship and leadership strengthen our shared path toward excellence. We are energized by the impact her research will make on the communities we serve!

What a wonderful time—Congratulations, Graduates!

First UH Graduate College of Social Work Commencement in the books!

🎓🎓 Congratulations to our graduates and their families! 🎓🎓

✨✨What a wonderful day at the GCSW!! ✨✨

✨✨I truly enjoyed connecting with former GCSW Dean Dr. Ira Colby today—grateful for his continued support to our College! ✨✨

This month has been filled with celebrations and surprises, but this visit from former GCSW Dean Dr. Ira Colby takes the cake.

Dr. Ira Colby's leadership was pivotal to much of GCSW's growth and expansion. Our community is grateful for his leadership and unyielding support!