University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work

Fun day at Pride on the Patio at the Pitt's Oakland campus! Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate 🥳

We had a great turnout of faculty, staff, and students for the Pitt-Bradford Pride Patio Potluck. Shout to out to the puppies for showing off their Pitt Social Work swag!

The Browne Leadership Fellows officially launched their summer placement experiences through curated community tours and engagement opportunities across Pittsburgh neighborhoods. Thanks to the partnership and hospitality of Assemble Buhl Foundation, Homewood Children's Village, and Millvale Community Library, Fellows explored the histories, assets, and collaborative networks that shape communities across Homewood, Garfield, Millvale, and Pittsburgh’s North Side. Throughout the week, students visited organizations and community-centered spaces, engaged with residents and practitioners, and reflected on the social, economic, and political factors that influence neighborhood experiences and opportunities.

More than an orientation, the week served as an invitation for Fellows to begin building relationships, deepening their understanding of community-engaged leadership, and learning with communities—not simply about them. Grounded in listening, reflection, collaboration, and community partnership, the Browne Leadership Fellowship continues to prepare students to lead with humility, curiosity, and a deep commitment to social change.

Picture captions (left to right):

1- Devon Dill, In-House Programs Manager at Assemble in Garfield with Fellows

2- Bilita McIntoch, CCAC Director, and Rashaa Brown, MSW Alumni and Senior Youth Director, Homewood Children’s Village with Fellows

3- MSW Alum Susan Chersky, Senior Program Officer, the Buhl Foundation leading fellows through Deutschtown

4- Fellows stopping for ice cream at Yetter's Candies in Millvale

Photo credit: Dr. Aliya Durham

Professor Emeritus Philip W Carter, JR., MSW was a professor of social work. Raised in Clarksburg, he was among the students who were integrated into Washington Irving High School after closure of the segregated Kelly Miller High school in 1956. Backed with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Marshall University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, the passionate educator would dedicate most of his life furthering the education of others. With 43 years of service at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, and a total of more than 50 years of teaching in higher education, Carter taught and developed coursework in areas of Appalachian social welfare and legislation and Africana Social Work. But that is not the only legacy Carter has forged over his lifetime; he is well known for his work as an advocate of social justice. Read more: https://ow.ly/ObFJ50ZbP9R

From Dean Betsy Farmer: "Pitt School of Social Work has a new dean! Dr. Kya Conner, currently Director of the school’s Center on Race & Social Problems and an Associate Dean, will begin as dean on July 15. Kya brings a substantive focus on health equity, mental health, and aging; administrative and leadership experience; strong networks locally, nationally, and internationally; and she’s definitely 'all that and more!' Here’s to a bright future, continued growth and impact, and transforming our world, our future, ourselves! "

It’s a busy week for the Persad Outreach Team, with two midweek events on the calendar. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and say hi...we’d love to see you!

Greenfield Community Association
University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work

We are excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Kyaien O. Conner, PhD, LSW, MPH, as Dean of the School of Social Work, effective July 15, 2026, following a comprehensive national search!
Dr. Conner is a multi-time graduate of the University of Pittsburgh having earned her BS in Psychology, MSW from the School of Social Work, MPH with a specialization in Minority Health and Health Disparities from the School of Public Health, and a PhD in Social Work. After beginning her academic career at the University of South Florida, Dr. Conner returned to Pitt as a Professor in the School of Social Work in 2023. She currently serves as an Associate Dean, the Donald M. Henderson Endowed Chair, and the Director of the Center on Race & Social Problems.

Read more from the Provost's message: https://ow.ly/PKL850ZfjL1

This Wednesday, June 24, 2026: Pride on the Patio. 11am-2pm. William Pitt Union Patio.

Nominations are open for the 2026 Alumni Awards. 🏆
If you know a Pitt SSW graduate who is making an impact in the field, please submit their nomination here: https://ow.ly/LuyS50Z3aht
There are four award categories:
• Distinguished Alumni Award
• Advancing Excellence Award
• School of Social Work Service Award
• Rising Star Alumni Award
Please submit all nominations by July 15th. If you have any questions about submissions, feel free to email me and I will be happy to help.
Thank you and I hope to see you all at the event on November 5th, 2026!