Contact - MACRO PRACTICE New Opportunities for Impact
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Contact
School of Social Work
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2020–2021 Issue 2
MACRO
PRACTICE
New Opportunities for Impact
FROM THE DEAN IN THIS ISSUE
Macro social work provides Contact
new career opportunities
2020–2021 ISSUE 2
Contact is published by the UNC School of Social
Work for alumni and other stakeholders in the
School’s mission. No state funds are used to print or
Dear Friends, mail this magazine.
Although clinical social work Please submit alumni news by email here:
will always be a foundation for unc.ssw.communications@unc.edu
our Master of Social Work degree DEAN
programs, we see more and more Gary L. Bowen, Ph.D.
students choosing our Community,
Management, and Policy Practice ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR ADVANCEMENT
Mary Beth Hernandez
(CMPP) concentration — what we
call macro social work. EDITOR
Karen Kornegay
These students are creating
innovative career paths in nonprofit ASSOCIATE EDITOR/PHOTOGRAPHER
administration, government, social Susan White
entrepreneurship, implementation GRAPHIC DESIGNER
practice, and many other fields. Rich Stewart
Through macro social work, they
are exploring new frontiers in our CONTRIBUTORS
Johnny Andrews, Kisha Bari, Carl and Susan
profession and developing new, Baumann, Gary Bowen, Daniel Brezenoff, Dolores
research-based solutions to address
4 Macro practice: New opportunities for impact
Chandler, Blaise Drew-Davi, Ryan Estes, Jon
some of our most challenging Gardiner, Mia Ives-Rublee, Kristen Register Lakis,
problems. Allison Metz, Shutterstock, Nina Tracy, Kacey
Wyman Some of the newest, most exciting opportunities in social work are in macro practice. Learn how UNC School of Social
I am inspired by the leadership
and work of our macro graduates SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK Work alumni are making a difference and how MSW students are preparing for these opportunities.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
and by their dedication to fostering
CB #3550, 325 Pittsboro Street
the students who follow in their Chapel Hill, NC 27599
footsteps. Every year, our Macro ssw.unc.edu
Networking Night draws many
alumni to share their wisdom with
our current students. Our macro 12 The Massey Award
graduates also serve as field instructors, providing unique workplace experiences for Vanessa Mitchell wins one of the University’s highest awards for service.
our students.
In this issue of Contact magazine, you’ll learn more about our CMPP concentration,
meet a few of our graduates in this concentration, and see how macro social work is
providing new career opportunities in our profession.
18 Baumanns create scholarship fund
n c i ng
On a more personal note, I want to thank our faculty, our staff, and our students
dv a
for their hard work and dedication during the past year. Due to the COVID-19 Carl and Susan Baumann help support the next generation of macro social work students
A
pandemic, we completed the 2020–2021 academic year almost entirely in a remote at UNC-Chapel Hill.
environment. This required an incredible level of effort, creativity, and patience
(among other necessary traits) on the part of every person.
I am so proud of everyone’s commitment. It has been a challenging year for all, but
EQUITY
we have demonstrated our ability to adapt and innovate. Our faculty and staff will be
i ng
returning to Tate-Turner-Kuralt Building on July 19, 2021, after almost 16 months of
m
People and programs
f o r
Trans
working from home, and our students will return to campus in August to begin the
2021–2022 academic year. I look forward to seeing all of you!
13 Wyman chosen as Schweitzer Fellow
With warm wishes,
SYSTEMS 14 $6.52 million awarded to faculty research
16 Metz to lead new implementation science efforts
o v i n g
mpr
Gary L. Bowen, Dean and Kenan Distinguished Professor
I
UNC School of Social Work
LIVES
2 Contact | UNC School of Social Work | 2020–2021 Issue 2 Contact | UNC School of Social Work | 2020–2021 Issue 2 3
MACRO SOCIAL WORK
The macro approach to changing lives
By Susan White
O
n a muggy morning in late May, degree at UNC School of Social Work. therapists and counselors.
Nora Spencer (MSW ’17) hovered “I had become really closely Those choosing the macro path are
a few feet from a miter saw as a acquainted with the lack of living- equally interested in solving individual
crew of eager trainees, a few sporting wage jobs for women and the fact and family problems but from a bigger-
overalls, heavy boots and toolbelts, that women are the primary low-wage picture perspective. Such a focus can be
waited for further instructions. Their earners in North Carolina,” Spencer challenging to explain, say macro social
goal: to build two massive raised explained. “The trades are a great place workers who often face two primary
garden beds for a client in Chapel Hill. for women — they pay living wages questions: What is macro social work
“Remember, you want to square the and offer an opportunity to get out and what does a macro social worker
blade at a 90-degree angle. You want of this low-wage cycle, especially for do?
it to be level up and down,” Spencer women who face so many barriers to
reminded the group of women, all new employment. DEFINING A PROFESSION
students enrolled in a trades training “Historically, this industry has also
program hosted by Hope Renovations, Academically, macro social work
been more forgiving of workers with emphasizes service and action to
the state’s first nonprofit that equips criminal backgrounds or those in
women with the resources and skills to advance core values, such as social
recovery,” she added. “I just saw so and economic justice, human
work in the construction industry. many opportunities there that don’t dignity, equality, and community
Spencer launched the program in exist in other industries.” empowerment. Through coursework, workers are well suited for these roles A GROWING NEED TO ATTRACT research and evaluation skills-
June 2020, more than two decades As a macro social worker, Spencer field education, and other programs, because they study the relationship STUDENTS based courses added, such as data
after leaving behind a dream job in is trained to think about societal students learn theory and develop between individuals and their analytics,” said Van Deinse, a mental
broadcast journalism and three years For a discipline focused on improving
problems, such as poverty, from a skills that prepare them for careers in environment, Przewoznik added. health researcher with experience
after initially conceiving of the idea well-being for all, macro social work
broader systems level. Her vision community organizing, human services “We are one of the only domains in public policy, management, and
while earning her Master of Social Work practice has struggled to attract the
— to crack a predominantly male- administration, coalition building, of study that acknowledges that no community practice. “They wanted
same level of attention as clinical
oriented field to create a space for advocacy work, and planning and person is an island unto themselves and more community organizing classes
social work. In fact, in recent years,
women to build a career and financial program development, among other that we are all impacted by multiple and more content around community
social work scholars from Maryland to
stability — exemplifies the beating professions. spheres of influence simultaneously,” practice social work. The sense was,
California have lamented the shortage
heart of macro practice, a discipline For example, trained macro said Przewoznik, who, along with of macro social workers. Nationally, less
often misunderstood or overlooked social workers play a critical role in clinical associate professor Tonya Van than 10% of MSW students are enrolled
despite the enormous opportunities understanding how government Deinse, are among the instructors who in a macro practice concentration.
to create change that benefits entire policies may hamper someone teach macro courses in the School’s
communities. Although a special commission of
struggling with substance use or a Community, Management, and Policy
the Council on Social Work Education
Visit any social work program mental health disorder from accessing Practice (CMPP) concentration.
was formed several years ago and has
across the country, and you will appropriate services due to a lack of Ultimately, macro social work is proposed steps to raise enrollments
find classrooms filled with students transportation, insurance, or other shorthand for examining the impact to at least 20%, reports have shown
interested in clinical practice and issues. These practitioners also explore and power that systems, policies, and an ongoing lack of understanding
helping to address the immediate how these same issues impact diverse institutions have on people, Przewoznik about the critical need for macro social
needs of children and families. This communities differently, especially and Van Deinse agreed. workers. For students, there is also an
area of social work is more familiar to in social, health, and mental health uncertainty about how to leverage
the public, since these students outcomes. Such information can inform “We know that we cannot venture
to understand a person’s lived their macro skills in the job market.
go on to careers serving in interventions to prevent or alleviate
departments of social social problems. experience without understanding all At the University of North Carolina
services, in schools the spheres of influence that impact at Chapel Hill, Van Deinse, Przewoznik,
In other words, macro social workers their behaviors, knowledge, attitudes, and other social work faculty and staff
and hospitals, look for the barriers that keep people
and in private and beliefs,” Przewoznik said. “Because on the CMPP committee have been
and communities in harm’s way and we are introduced to this model really working to change these perceptions
practice as work to eliminate those obstacles, early on in our education, it informs and increase interest in the practice
explained JP Przewoznik, a UNC all of the conversations that we have by strengthening the School’s macro
School of Social Work clinical assistant in social work education, so we are curriculum. These improvements
professor with 20 years of experience more than prepared to understand in followed a 2018 independent
in macro social work, including the real world the relationship that, for assessment that found, among other
community organizing, direct example, rhetoric has on behavior or concerns, that students were eager
Nora Spencer practice, and systems the relationship that policies have on for more rigorous policy courses, Van
advocacy. Macro social mental health issues. That is why we are Deinse said.
so well positioned to do macro work.”
“Students also wanted additional
4 Contact | UNC School of Social Work | 2020–2021 Issue 2 Contact | UNC School of Social Work | 2020–2021 Issue 2 5
we were heavily focused on the “All I could think was this is a good job; resident, only to find huge holes in her they can figure their new lives out,
administration and management parts you’re making good money. Clearly it’s floor and a severe plumbing leak. The but wouldn’t it be nice if there was
of macro social work, and we needed a great career path, so why aren’t more resident lived with her brother, who one less hurdle for them? I would love
to balance that more with classes women doing this?” had mental health issues. to bring about some change around
in community practice, policy. and After enrolling in the School’s MSW “We built trust with her, talked to her resettlement policies and accessibility
research.” program, Spencer continued to focus about what supports she currently had, to programs and initiatives to help
Students entering the MSW on her entrepreneurial idea for a asked her what she needed, and made these populations acclimate more
program in fall 2021 will find several trades program to empower women some referrals for her, because she easily.”
new or reinvented courses in the who were underemployed. During didn’t have anybody in her life to help Drew-Davi’s personal experiences,
CMPP concentration, including a her last semester and in a course that her figure these things out,” Spencer especially as a member of the LGBTQ+
new community organizing class, focused on the aging community, she said. community, also influenced their
a facilitation course, and a class on hit on the final piece of the puzzle. She “And that’s what you get when decision to pursue a macro career.
group work with a focus on task group would create a nonprofit that trained you have social worker construction Over the years, Drew-Davi has worked
orientation and facilitating across women for construction, coupled with workers. It’s not just about fixing a floor closely with those impacted by the
disciplinary meetings and coalitions. a program offering small and mid-sized or a plumbing leak. It’s about helping HIV epidemic, people struggling with
In addition, an advanced policy home repairs to seniors, helping to them solve other problems in their substance use, and most recently
practice class will focus more heavily on ensure they could age safely in place. lives.” with workers fighting for fairer labor
policy analysis and theory. The School Hope Renovations was born. opportunities, through an internship
also plans to pilot a data analytical Since June 2020, the nonprofit has with the AFL-CIO.
STUDENTS PURSUE HIGH IMPACT
course next year, Van Deinse added. hired seven additional members for CAREERS “Ultimately, my interests are very
“Going forward, our biggest its training and operations teams and broad because I see how all of these
construction crew. Four of the 11 total That kind of big-picture thinking issues intersect and impact people and
challenge is just making sure we have is what attracted Lucia Opara, Blaise
enough students in the program in employees are social workers, and communities,” Drew-Davi explained.
Spencer is now a licensed general Drew-Davi, and Nina Tracy, all recent “Economic justice, health justice and
order to offer the needed courses,” she MSW graduates, to the School’s macro
said. contractor. racial and gender justice all intersect.
social work program. As students,
To date, 25 women have completed each had ambitions — respectively, “Part of the reason why I chose
HOPE FOR A NEW CAREER the organization’s 10-week trades for creating a better life for immigrants Lucia Opara macro social work is because it forced
training, which teaches core skills in and refugees, for improving labor rights me to look at structural problems and
Over the years, the School has hosted construction math, carpentry, electrical, see how they can be addressed by
macro social work networking nights or removing barriers for the LGBTQ+
plumbing, HVAC, painting and finishing, community, and for further supporting changing laws, policies, hearts, and
to connect students with alumni, who tiling, and drywall. Participants are also minds,” they continued. “Macro social
share their experiences and tips for and uplifting children and families to
connected to resources and support prevent child abuse and neglect. work helps me to see that big change is
finding careers in the macro field. For to help them overcome barriers to possible.”
some, including Spencer, the path to employment, including career coaching “Being an immigrant from Nigeria
macro was far from straight. and seeing what that was like Macro social workers are also critical
and development, resume building for ensuring that policies that affect low
For as long as she could remember, skills, and job placement assistance. transitioning into the United States
really shaped my interest,” said Opara, wealth communities are not decided in
Spencer had always been handy with Through the organization’s work a vacuum, Tracy said: “We’re the ones
tools and fixing things around the who dreams of working for USAID,
with home repairs for seniors and other which provides foreign aid and asking the questions about who needs
house; she’d even remodeled a few construction jobs, students receive to be at the table. We want to know
homes. Yet, she had never considered development assistance to countries all
significant on-the-job training. over the world. what do we need to do to bring in more
a career in the trades, choosing instead folks whose voices need to be heard.”
to earn a degree in journalism, then “The goal is for each graduate to land During her first year in the MSW
leaving that profession behind to a job or apprenticeship in the trades, so program, Opara interned with the Most recently, Tracy trained her
work more than 20 years in corporate they can earn living wages and better Refugee Mental Health and Wellness macro lens on several projects while
recruiting and human resources for support themselves and their families,” Initiative, a School program that interning with the nonprofit Prevent
Lowe’s Home Improvement, IBM, Spencer said, noting that construction promotes equitable access to mental Child Abuse North Carolina (PCANC).
and other companies. Along the jobs in the Triangle area start at around health services for refugees resettled The organization, which has been
way, she discovered a new purpose $17 an hour. “It’s not just about gaining in North Carolina. Through her work, especially interested in strengthening
in helping people explore their own job skills. It’s about addressing social, Opara quickly identified disparities in the state’s maltreatment prevention
career paths. Then an epiphany struck: financial, and health challenges, so opportunities and services that were focus, has been exploring paid leave
What if she combined her workforce women can keep those great jobs once provided for clients who were refugees and how public and employer support
recruiting skills with her side passion they get there.” versus clients who were considered for such a benefit could potentially
for construction? That question would Moreover, the program provides immigrants. decrease child maltreatment rates. After
eventually lead her to UNC-Chapel Hill an affordable and needed service for all, parents should not have to worry
“It was eye-opening for me to about losing a job or a paycheck if they
and the macro social work program. seniors, especially for those living alone see what’s available and what isn’t need to take time off to care for a sick
“I just remember thinking how so and with limited access to resources. available, especially in other countries,
Often, social workers on the crew help child, she explained.
many of the men who were contractors and what’s taken into consideration
that I met always thought it was such to identify other potential problems and what isn’t,” Opara continued. “I “What I’m talking about are policies
Blaise Drew-Davi Nina Tracy
an enigma that there was a woman in the home and work to connect was also struck by this belief regarding that can lead to more equitable lives for
who was doing this kind of stuff, and it residents with support. In one case, the the resiliency of refugees and treating families,” said Tracy, who was recently
would bug the hell out of me,” she said. crew was hired to repair the house of a that as a protective factor. Yes, I know hired as a policy analyst for PCANC.
6 Contact | UNC School of Social Work | 2020–2021 Issue 2 Contact | UNC School of Social Work | 2020–2021 Issue 2 7
“It’s about no longer being complacent impede their lives. Renovations may help in that effort.
with a child welfare system that has a The founder and former coordinator In just one year, her nonprofit has
very long history of treating Black and of the national Women’s March grabbed national headlines, including
indigenous families poorly. Disability Caucus, Ives-Rublee feature coverage on the CBS This
“But that means reimagining the currently serves as director of the Morning show. The Hope Renovations
system and what does it look like Disability Justice Initiative for crew is already booked through the
to help families thrive by offering the Washington, D.C.- fall with projects, giving trainees more
preventative programs and services, based Center for opportunities to discover rewarding
such as paid family leave. I’m talking American Progress, careers with family-sustaining wages.
about giving families what they need, an independent “This is what macro social workers
instead of coming in later in a punitive nonpartisan policy Daniel Brezenoff (left) bring to the table,” Spencer said. “We
way.” institute. The help people navigate systems and
initiative remove multiple barriers and help
MAKING LIFE BETTER FOR OTHERS promotes them figure out what’s needed to make
and “One of the best things I learned in Given the rise of major movements their lives better.
Many of the systemic issues that school was how to be an active listener over the past five to 10 years, including
macro social workers are eager to and how to remove some of my own Black Lives Matter and immigrant “I’m proud of the work we’re doing
tackle today, such as the prevention of biases and emotions from some of my justice organizations, there is hope that because it is changing lives.” ∎
homelessness and increasing affordable work so that I can better understand more social work students will gravitate
housing, are the same problems social where the issues are and how to to macro practice.
workers have been fighting to address advocate and uplift the voices that Spencer certainly hopes so, and Hope
for years, said Daniel Brezenoff (MSW need to be heard.”
‘00).
In addition to serving in private
practice as a psychiatric and clinical
social worker in Long Beach, Calif.,
Brezenoff has worked for years with
Robert Garcia, a former city council
Macro Night: A School Tradition
member and current Long Beach Each spring, macro social work Area macro social work professionals Hope Renovations: “I couldn’t find the
mayor, advocating for better programs Mia Ives-Rublee professionals (including many School discussed job opportunities within job I wanted, so I decided to make it.”
and services to address mental health, alumni) join current macro students the field, from policy development to Students shared their experiences,
housing, and environmental issues. for Macro Night — an event designed organizational leadership. too. Chase Ijams, who enrolled in
to help students in the Community, Monica Kearney, executive director of the School’s MSW program after
Brezenoff is particularly proud of the Management, and Policy Practice
work the city, county, and state have Franklin County’s Safe Space program, completing a two-year Peace Corps
(CMPP) concentration learn about described macro social work as “sharing assignment in Vanuatu, helped lead
done to turn motels and hotels, which career paths, build connections in
have long served as de facto shelters a light on issues ... social problems, a youth camp and improve a school
the field, and engage with alumni. (A social ills ... that most people don’t see.” library. “[Communities served] aren’t
for the homeless, into supportive similar event is available for students in
transitional housing. The new housing She leads efforts to reduce relationship necessarily going to be expecting a
advocates for policies that support transracial adoptee who was born with the Direct Practice concentration.) violence and sexual assault, with Safe social worker,” Ijams said.
model offers residents access to health osteogenesis imperfecta, commonly
and empower people with disabilities, Macro Night is usually held at a Space offering a home for women
and mental health services, meals, known as brittle bone disease — Ives- Although some parts of Macro Night
helping them to lift themselves out of local agency or venue with macro and a thrift shop to raise funds for the
security, and case management, along Rublee often shares her personal are structured, there’s plenty of time for
poverty. connections, beginning with a social organization’s expenses.
with other supportive services. experiences with discrimination to informal networking, too.
“The initiative works with politicians hour and continuing with presentations “I remember when I was in your
“That took about 10 years to get from connect with communities around and break-out discussions. Following “Even those of us who have
on [Capitol Hill] and organizations big policy ideas. As a macro social shoes, thinking, ‘What’s next?’ and
idea to implementation,” Brezenoff said. pandemic restrictions, Macro Night was graduated and are here to support
across the political and civil rights worker, she also understands the value ‘Where are my gifts best suited?’” Mitzy
“That’s why social workers going into hosted on Zoom this year, with about students can find awesome
movement landscape and pushes them of listening and learning from people González told students in a break-
macro practice have to understand 50 participants. connections,” observed LaKeshia Jones
to talk about disability differently,” said outside of her network. out group. A 2015 MSW graduate,
patience — because some issues are Foushee (MSW ‘12), who is managing
Ives-Rublee, who recently met with González is a program manager for
really complicated, and it will take director of operations for the education
Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss the Association of Public & Land-Grant
some time to get these things done in nonprofit City Year.
issues related to race, disabilities, and Universities, working with urban-
the real world and not get burned out
along the way.”
the LGBTQ community. “Particularly if you are going serving universities. Macro Night is coordinated by
the School’s CMPP committee in
Building direct relationships
“We want to shift disability policy into a community you do Macro social workers may need to collaboration with the School’s Social
from the caring model, as in, ‘We have not belong to, it’s important be creative in their career paths, added
with communities impacted by the Work Student Organization (SoWoSO)
to take care of you,’ to a more justice Nora Spencer (MSW ‘17), founder of
problems macro social workers want
model, as in, ‘We, as disabled people, to take your feelings, your macro caucus.
to solve is also key, said Mia Ives- emotions, and your ego, and
want to have the self-determination
Rublee (MSW ’09). A long-time civil
rights activist, Ives-Rublee has spent
years helping people with disabilities
and resources to build more inclusive
and interdependent communities that
throw it all out the window.”
— Mia Ives-Rublee
CURIOUS ABOUT MACRO NIGHT?
ensure justice and equity for all.’”
find work and independence within
their communities and in helping to As someone with multiple identities You can watch a video from Macro Night 2020 on our School’s
dismantle the systems that continue to — she is Korean American and a Facebook channel: go.unc.edu/Macro-Night-2020
8 Contact | UNC School of Social Work | 2020–2021 Issue 2 Contact | UNC School of Social Work | 2020–2021 Issue 2 9
ACADEMIC LIFE
LB Klein was selected as the graduate and professional as faculty scholar and mentor for the Moore Undergraduate
student recipient of the 2021 LGBTQI+ Advocacy Award. Research Apprenticeship Program, which is designed to
Faculty, staff,
The award, presented by UNC’s LGBT Center, recognizes help achieve diversity in academia. De Marco was also
contributions to or advocacy on behalf of LGBTQIA+ selected as a teaching fellow for the Fall 2021 Institute of
communities at the University of North Carolina at Chapel African American Research’s initiative for Student Learning
Hill. Klein graduated this spring from the School of Social to Advance Truth and Equity (IAAR-SLATE) and was invited
Work’s Ph.D. program. to serve as a faculty affiliate to the UNC College of Arts &
and student
Sciences Program on Public Discourse.
Lisa Lackmann, clinical associate professor, retired from
state service in February. Lackmann worked with Behavioral Amy Ramirez, training coordinator with the Family and
Health Springboard (BHS) for eight years, serving as a child Children’s Resource Program (FCRP), retired in January after
mental health consultant to the N.C. Division of Mental serving adults, children, and families across North Carolina
updates and
Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse for 30 years. Ramirez began her career at Carolina in 1990
Services. and joined FCRP several years later.
Barbara Leach, family support specialist and special projects Tina Souders, director of the 3-Year MSW Winston-Salem
coordinator with the School’s Family Support Program, program, was named UNC School of Social Work’s first
awards
received the Dr. Francis Sumner Community Pillar Award director of digital learning and instruction in January. In this
from Cardinal Innovations Healthcare. Leach was recognized new role, Souders will oversee the School’s remote learning
for her work to reduce stigma and to promote mental health activities. She played a key role in helping faculty pivot to
for families with children who have mental health and remote learning in March 2020, when the University shifted
intellectual and developmental disabilities. students off campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Travis Albritton, associate dean for diversity, equity, and Brooke Lombardi was named Employee of the Year by Sharon Holmes Thomas, Mimi Chapman, Joe Diconcilio,
inclusion, was invited to become a faculty affiliate to the UNC the Gender and LGBTQIA Center at Elon University, where Wanda Reives, and Laurie Selz Campbell were recently
College of Arts & Sciences Program on Public Discourse. she is an adjunct instructor in the human service studies inducted into the “Carolina 20-Year Society” for achieving 20
department. Lombardi is a fourth-year Ph.D. student. years of service to the State of North Carolina.
Din Chen, professor, authored a new textbook, Statistical
Regression Modeling with R – Longitudinal and Multilevel Paul Lanier, Wallace Kuralt Early Career Distinguished Sarah Verbiest, John A. Tate Early Career Scholar for Children
Modeling, which was published by Springer. Associate Professor, was appointed as associate director in Need, was promoted to clinical professor. She serves as
for child and family well-being with the Jordan Institute for director of the Jordan Institute for Families and as executive
Trenette Clark Goings, Sandra Reeves Spears and John B. Families (JIF). Lanier will work closely with Sarah Verbiest, JIF director of the Center for Maternal & Infant Health in UNC
Turner Distinguished Professor, co-authored a new book, director and a clinical professor, to develop and lead a vision School of Medicine.
“African American Families: Research, Theory, and Practice,” for promoting the well-being of North Carolina children and
which captures the historical and contemporary experiences families through evidence-based practice and policy. In the Lisa de Saxe Zerden, senior associate dean for MSW
of African American people in the United States and how new role, Lanier will also create opportunities for School education, was awarded tenure. An associate professor, she
those experiences continue to shape contemporary African faculty and students to engage with and inform the North serves as the School’s director of interprofessional education
American families. Carolina Early Childhood Action Plan. and practice and is a founding member of the Office of
Interprofessional Education and Practice at UNC-Chapel Hill.
The Jordan Institute for Families and the School’s Office Allison De Marco, advanced research scientist with Frank
of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion received the 2021 UNC Porter Graham Child Development Institute and adjunct
Diversity Award for Intergroup Collaboration. faculty at UNC School of Social Work, was chosen to serve
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Vanessa Mitchell wins Massey Award Wyman named as Schweitzer Fellow
By Susan White
By Susan White
V
anessa Mitchell has been chosen Mitchell launched her career at
K
to receive one of the University UNC-Chapel Hill in the early 1980s, acey Wyman has been chosen as a focuses on health-related community year, UNC providers saw 250 patients
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s first as a support staff member with 2021 Albert Schweitzer Fellow for service and leadership development. from across the state with this disease.
most prestigious awards — the C. Knox UNC Ophthalmology before joining North Carolina. She is a second- Fellows are challenged to address social Wyman and Ahmad will develop and
Massey Distinguished Service Award, the anesthesiology department. A few year student in the 3-Year MSW— and environmental determinants of host a series of educational webinars
presented to eight UNC-Chapel Hill years later, she was hired as a support Chapel Hill program at UNC School of health, build capacity for improving the to help patients better understand the
employees this year. staff member with UNC School of Social Work and is one of 25 graduate health and well-being of individuals disease, including potential physical
Mitchell is a computer support Social Work’s National Child Welfare students statewide to be selected for and communities, contribute to changes, expectations, and treatments,
analyst for UNC School of Social Work, Leadership Center, a grant-funded this honor. social change, and practice culturally as well as effects on mental health.
where she has worked for 34 years. She initiative that provided training to The Schweitzer Fellowship is a one- sensitive and compassionate care, while They will develop a survey to collect
has consistently been integral to the improve child welfare programs across year mentored fellowship program that developing leadership skills in real-life feedback from patients and establish
successful functioning of the School, the country and to strengthen services Vanessa Mitchell situations. monthly peer support group meetings,
noted Dean Gary L. Bowen. for children and families. Photo by Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill Each fellow (or team of fellows) is where patients can connect with each
“I cannot think of a more deserving Over the next few years, Mitchell required to design and carry out a other and access resources.
served in various roles within the Phil Kaufman, Mitchell’s supervisor and health-related direct service project “Being diagnosed with a physical
employee for this award,” Bowen said.
School, including as an assistant director of the School’s Computing and of 200 hours or more; prepare chronic disease can be very stressful,”
“Vanessa is highly responsive in her
for the dean’s administrative team Information Technology Unit. reports, an electronic poster, and Wyman said. “It’s something patients
support to faculty, staff and students.
She is extremely proficient in her job and to faculty members, including “That’s because she works hard to an opinion article about the deal with every day, and there can be
and meets any task or request with a former associate professor Audreye develop relationships with people,” he project; attend educational a lot of treatment fatigue and even
‘can do’ attitude and a smile. She is a Johnson. For several years, Mitchell said. ”She is really hands-on and will retreats; and complete other depression and anxiety.”
team player in every respect, and she helped Johnson prepare for the walk you through an issue and show requirements. The fellowship
“Black Experience Workshops,” annual also includes an intensive Wyman understands some of the
contributes greatly to the sense of you how to do something and make challenges these patients often endure.
community in our School. conferences hosted by the School that sure everything is working right. leadership component, with
attracted hundreds of academic, state, fellows working closely with Her mother faced similar problems after
and national leaders who participated “You don’t get that level of attention community and academic a diagnosis of Lupus, an inflammatory
in critical conversations about racism in everywhere, and it’s something that I mentors. disease in which the immune system
“I have the utmost America. highly value,” Kaufman added. “I also attacks its own tissues.
completely depend on her because she Wyman will partner
respect and appreciation By 1993, Mitchell was juggling knows all the history of this building with another Schweitzer
for Vanessa, and I am multiple responsibilities, serving as and the people in it. That knowledge is Fellow, Serene Ahmad of
an assistant in student services as indispensable.” UNC School of Medicine, “This issue is personal for
thrilled that she is one well as the administrative assistant for in designing a project
For students, Mitchell is “Miss me because of the struggles
of the recipients of this the School’s newly created doctoral to improve the quality
program. It may have been fate that Vanessa,” and one of their biggest of life for patients with and barriers my own mom
distinguished service supporters. Students have found
she eventually joined the School’s autoimmune blistering experienced. Although a
award.” information technology team. After Mitchell to be a confidante, someone disease. This disease
— Dean Gary L. Bowen to whom they can voice frustrations, team of doctors were fully
all, she loved tinkering with broken is characterized as
computers, getting the machines especially when they encounter micro a group of disorders dedicated to her well-being,
humming again for students and staff. aggressions and just need a quiet place that cause the body’s a mental health professional
to process. They often view Mitchell immune system to
The award was established by UNC- Driven by a passion for self- as a role model and as a nurturer of wasn’t always included with
Chapel Hill alumnus C. Knox Massey attack the skin and
learning, Mitchell quickly became the success. She exceeds expectations mucous membranes, this team.”
to recognize “unusual, meritorious, or troubleshooting point-person, ready to every day because she relishes in the resulting in — Kacey Wyman
superior contributions” by University assist with any technology issue in Tate-
employees. The winners are selected success of others, explained Ph.D. blistering lesions.
Turner-Kuralt Building. To this day, she student Annie Francis.
through a campuswide nomination is often first on the scene for student- Over the past
process. Each receives a $10,000 led and other School-sponsored events, “Miss Vanessa is a gemstone,” Francis “In our project, we hope to
stipend and an award citation. ensuring microphones are working, said. “She goes above and beyond her encourage an integrative approach
For Mitchell, the recognition is PowerPoint presentations have been job responsibilities to provide support where physical health and mental
humbling. cued up, and video cameras are rolling. and encouragement to whomever is health are both addressed … we want
Over the last year, as the School shifted in need. She doesn’t discriminate with to focus on the big picture.”
“Words can’t explain just how whom she serves. It doesn’t matter if
to remote learning and working during Wyman and Ahmad plan to enroll
appreciative and grateful I am,” she said. you’re a first-year student or you’ve
the pandemic, Mitchell continued to at least 50 individuals from UNC
“I give all praises to God. Having God in been here 11 years.
help students, faculty, and staff sort Autoimmune Specialty Clinics and will
my life has gotten me through some of
through networking and computer “You’re going to get Miss Vanessa’s begin recruiting participants later this
the worst times, and I am thankful for
glitches. best every day because that’s just who year. ∎
His favor for all the rewards, both great
and small.” Often, she anticipates needs before Miss Vanessa is.” ∎
receiving a request for assistance, said
12 Contact | UNC School of Social Work | 2020–2021 Issue 2 Contact | UNC School of Social Work | 2020–2021 Issue 2 13
RESEARCH
of Education and UNC School of
Medicine’s allied health services
department were awarded a $1.92
million federal grant to expand support
and resources to address behavioral
healthcare needs of youth and their
families.
The four-year grant, awarded
from the U.S. Health Services and
Resources Administration, will fund
UNC-PrimeCare4Youth, an initiative
that builds off Zerden’s successful
work with UNC-PrimeCare, which has
already trained 245 students over the
past seven years. The new initiative
will train 116 master’s-level students
in social work, school counseling, and
professional counseling programs to
work in integrated health care settings.
School launches
“Research Review”
The students will also complete field
placements and receive $10,000
stipends.
“Given our previous success with
UNC School of Social Work launched a new publication in spring
PrimeCare in traditional health and
2021 to highlight research and scholarly activities by its faculty.
substance use focused agencies, we
are delighted to expand this work “Research Review: Publications and Grants” includes a
and integrated services into new comprehensive list of journal articles, reports, books, and externally-
organizations, such as those that funded research projects from the School’s faculty, spanning the two-
support families, child welfare, schools, year period from January 2019 through December 2020. The review will
and so many others,” said Zerden. continue as an annual publication.
“Addressing our state’s behavioral
SSW faculty receive
health care needs requires interventions YOU CAN EXPLORE “RESEARCH REVIEW”
that span professional boundaries.” ON THE SCHOOL’S WEBSITE:
go.unc.edu/SSW-Research-Review-2019-2020
$6.52 million in awards
EMOTIONAL HEALTH FOR LGBTQ+
YOUTH
Rebecca Macy, associate dean for research and faculty development
Will Hall leads a team of researchers and L. Richardson Preyer Distinguished Chair for Strengthening
that has received a $1.5 million RO1 Families, worked closely with academic editor Jordan Wingate and
NIH grant to study the emotional the School’s communications team to develop the new publication.
By Susan White experiences that sexual minority youth Graphic designer Rich Stewart created the format, which includes an
encounter during the development
U
index of contributing faculty as well as clickable links to journal articles.
NC School of Social Work University of Health and Allied information on reproductive of their sexual identities. More than
faculty have secured millions Sciences (MUHAS) in Tanzania, health and HIV testing. half of LGBTQ youth struggle with “[The Research Review] showcases the expertise and cutting-edge
of dollars in federal grant was awarded a $3.1 million R01 depression; 40% or more have suicidal research of our faculty,” noted Dean Gary Bowen, adding that the
“Very few [adolescents] will publication highlighted individual and collective scholarly work that
funding to improve the health grant from the National Institutes thoughts. The researchers want to learn
probably even need the services advanced the School’s mission, vision, and values.
and mental health of children and of Health (NIH). The team will more about the strategies that sexual
now, but the hope is that they will
families. This funding includes conduct a five-year study minority youth may use to cope. Their “It’s exciting to see the many unique and interconnected research
have had a positive experience
three recently announced projects encouraging long-term better work could lead to new resources and agendas that coexist together in our School,” added Macy, who serves
in the clinic and come back in
totaling $6.52 million. health for adolescents in sub- interventions to assist mental health as editor in chief of the review.
the next couple of years when
Saharan Africa. Researchers will professionals who work with LGBTQ The School’s Office of Strategic Research Priorities (OSRP) compiled
they may actually need services,”
ADOLESCENT HEALTH IN work closely with schools to bring youth. information for the new publication, which includes introductory
Baumgartner said.
AFRICA every young adolescent (around “I want practitioners to be able to letters from Bowen and Macy.
age 13, enrolled in the final year recommend resources that are helpful
Joy Noel Baumgartner, a Wallace of primary school) into health PRIMECARE4YOUTH OSRP is developing an email list for social work professionals,
and that have shown with evidence to educators, funders, and others who want to receive research updates
Kuralt Early Career Distinguished clinics. This will allow health care Lisa de Saxe Zerden, associate make a positive difference,” Hall said. from the School.
Scholar working with research professionals to assess each child’s dean for MSW education, and “I want them to be able to identify the
collaborators from Muhimbili overall health and to provide colleagues at UNC School kinds of situations or events that are
often red flags for mental health distress YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE TO THESE UPDATES HERE:
Above: Meryl Kanfer, project coordinator for UNC-PrimeCare, engages with UNC-PrimeCare students. so that we can intervene earlier.” ∎ go.unc.edu/SSW-research-subscription
14 Contact | UNC School of Social Work | 2020–2021 Issue 2 Contact | UNC School of Social Work | 2020–2021 Issue 2 15
Metz to join SSW faculty, establish new
implementation science program
A
llison Metz, Ph.D., has joined findings published in professional awarded more than $14 million in
the UNC School of Social journals, these practitioners may not external funding for research projects
Work faculty as Professor of be able to optimize the use of evidence at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Practice. She will also serve as director to improve outcomes for individuals,
of implementation practice, a new families, and communities. COLLABORATIONS AT THE
position at the School. Metz’s appointment represents a UNIVERSITY
“Implementation science is front and commitment by UNC School of Social Metz has collaborated with UNC
center in the translation of knowledge Work to provide social workers with the School of Social Work faculty on
into action, and Dr. Allison Metz is one competencies needed to implement implementation science projects since
of the leading experts in the world on research findings and scale innovative 2018. She developed and co-chaired
implementation science,” noted Dean methodologies in their profession. UNC-Chapel Hill’s Summer Institute on
Gary Bowen. This supports the School’s mission to Implementation Science in partnership
“Dr. Metz will work to establish UNC advance equity, transform systems, and with the School’s Jordan Institute for
improve lives, Bowen emphasized.
Learn about
School of Social Work as a nationally Families. The institute is now in its
recognized hub on implementation fourth year, moving to a virtual format
practice and equity,” he added. “[She] is in 2020 to accommodate COVID-19
a logical and natural selection for the
position.”
“Implementation scientists
must work with all
restrictions.
She has also provided
implementation
As part of her work, Metz will create
an online certificate program in
implementation practice and equity
communities and embrace
the diverse experiences
implementation support for
community-based projects. Currently,
she is working with social work faculty
science
at the School, the first such certificate that both drive and shape Kirsten Kainz and Todd Jensen on The UNC Institute on Implementation
offered by any school of social work “Ready for School, Ready for Life,” a Science is a collaborative initiative of
in the United States. She will also
implementation efforts. project in Guilford County. the National Implementation Research
direct a new implementation practice This requires an explicit Network (NIRN), Frank Porter Graham Child
Metz has participated in the Wicked
group within UNC School of Social commitment to equity ... Problems in Child Welfare Institute, led
Development Institute (FPG), and UNC School
Work, develop graduate coursework, of Social Work’s Jordan Institute for Families
[including attention to] the by the School’s Child Welfare Learning
(JIF).
and serve as a mentor for early career Lab, and served on a School committee
investigators and Ph.D. students. culture, history, values,
to explore offering a Doctorate in Social The Institute offers plenary and breakout
Previously, Metz served as a needs, and assets of the Work (DSW) degree. sessions designed to help social workers,
senior research scientist at the Frank community.” “I have been impressed by how well
health professionals, and implementation
Porter Graham Child Development — Dean Gary Bowen practitioners identify strategies for
Dr. Metz’s talents and commitments
Institute (FPG), where she led the implementing practices and innovations
align with the School’s strategic
implementation division and directed based on and informed by evidence.
mission,” Bowen said. “Her career began
the National Implementation Research Advancing equity is a focus of discussion in
“Dr. Metz is partnered with the with supporting child welfare systems,
Network (NIRN). She will remain at FPG these sessions.
Annie E. Casey Foundation, William [implementing] evidence-informed
as a faculty fellow and maintain her programs and practices to improve Founded in 2018 as a two-day summer
T. Grant Foundation, and leading
affiliation with NIRN. child well-being. event, the Institute expanded in 2019 with
implementation researchers to
Metz has also taught in the develop a call to action for using a third day of workshops. Although there
“Over the last decade, she has
internationally accredited Master of implementation science to advance was no on-site event during the 2020–2021
expanded her efforts to integrate
Science and certificate programs in equity,” Bowen explained. academic year due to COVID-19 restrictions,
methods and approaches from
implementation science at Trinity the Institute evolved with a series of virtual
implementation science, co-creation
College Dublin (Republic of Ireland) events, including a one-day summer
RESEARCH IN THE FIELD and co-production, developmental
School of Medicine. session followed by webinars in November,
Metz will maintain an active program evaluation, and coaching and group
December, January, and April.
of scholarship and funded research. dynamics.” ∎
COMMITMENT TO IMPLEMENTATION
SCIENCE She currently serves as the lead RECORDINGS AND OTHER RESOURCES
project investigator on four research Assets from these events are available on
Implementation science helps projects, and her work was recently
to ensure that research discoveries the JIF website, jordaninstituteforfamilies.org
highlighted by the Centers for Disease — hover on the “Learn & Act” heading to find
are applied to real-world situations. Control and the National Institutes of
However, because few social work Allison Metz, Ph.D. a pull-down menu with access to Institute
Health in workshops for practitioners. materials.
practitioners have been trained to
translate and implement the research Between 2009 and 2020, Metz was
16 Contact | UNC School of Social Work | 2020–2021 Issue 2 Contact | UNC School of Social Work | 2020–2021 Issue 2 17
ADVANCEMENT ALUMNI & COMMUNITY
Carl and Susan Baumann commit
$1.6 million for new student scholarship
By Susan White
Letter
Greetings to our SSW alumni family!
It’s my hope that you and your loved ones have emerged
from the worst days of the pandemic in good health and
from the
good spirits. As social workers, we know that there have
been many repercussions from COVID-19, including acute
and “long-haul” symptoms, isolation, learning challenges,
alumni
loss of earnings, and loss of life.
Our knowledge and skills are valuable to our communities
as we enter this recovery period. I hope that you are able
to take advantage of our School’s continuing education
president
programs as you serve your community. Although you may
not be able to return to Chapel Hill right now, you may want
to explore the School’s self-paced webinars for continuing
education. Find them online: cls.unc.edu/webinars.
Of course, COVID-19 is not the only challenge we are
facing in our society. This is truly a time of reckoning for
social justice in America — a core value for us as social
workers.
Our School has taken a close look at our own practices
and recognized that there are many times in our history
when we have fallen short. Our administration, faculty,
staff, and students are working together to bring social
justice — particularly racial equity — to the forefront of our
conversations, our behaviors and our commitments. As an
alumnus of UNC School of Social Work, I invite you to join
C
these efforts and put social justice at the forefront of your
arl and Susan Baumann have Carl Baumann, who serves on has also advised UNC students
work.
long believed in steering their the School’s Board of Advisors, said interested in starting nonprofits and
philanthropic efforts toward the donation is the couple’s way of social enterprises. In so many different ways, we are rebuilding our world
people who are working to strengthen improving access to higher education, right now. This is where social workers excel, and we do this
communities and advance social particular to students who are through collaborative work. I encourage you to become
justice. With their latest gift to UNC passionate about changing policies and active in our Alumni Association to keep our collaborations
School of Social Work, the Baumanns systems that broadly affect people who “We both feel so strongly strong!
hope to generate more opportunities are marginalized. about what these social Best wishes,
for social work students eager to pursue “For several years now, we’ve work students are doing.
the same mission. Kristen Register Lakis, President
been working on ways to give back,” By helping the macro UNC School of Social Work Alumni Council
The couple recently committed Baumann said. “Our focus has been on
$1.6 million to create the Carl A. and education, because we feel and believe students, we’re also helping
Susan H. Baumann Macro Student that education is the key to everything, the communities and
Opportunity Scholarship Fund — one including growth opportunities for families they’re trying to
of the largest scholarship gifts the people and personal well-being, and
School has ever received. When fully raising people out of poverty, all of
raise up through policy and
endowed, the combination cash and which leads to a stronger democracy. organizational change.”
planned gift will provide an estimated — Carl Baumann
“This is just one of the ways we can
$80,000 annually to support social move social justice forward,” he added.
work students pursuing careers in
community, management, and policy Through his role as a volunteer
with SCORE, a nonprofit that provides “That’s really important to us, and
practice. this is our way of giving back and
mentors for small businesses, Baumann
supporting these students.” ∎
18 Contact | UNC School of Social Work | 2020–2021 Issue 2 Contact | UNC School of Social Work | 2020–2021 Issue 2 19Karen Smith (MSW ‘76) persons on death row, and Tamika Williams (MSW
died on July 14, 2020. Smith the LGBTQ+ community. ’97) joined the board of
Alumni, do you have news to share? served as director of the trustees for the Dave Thomas Ryan Estes (MSW ’09) was appointed by Gov.
Email updates to unc.ssw.communications@unc.edu Davie County Department 1990s Foundation for Adoption, Roy Cooper to the N.C. Commission on Mental
for use in Contact or the School’s monthly newsletter. of Social Services and retired a national nonprofit public Health, Developmental Disabilities, and
Charles E. Carter Jr. (MSW
after a 38-year career in charity. Williams is associate Substance Abuse Services. The commission
‘90) was appointed to the
social work. director for child and family works to promote excellence in prevention,
board of trustees for the
well-being at The Duke treatment, and rehabilitation programs for
The work of the late Carolyn Welborn Staton Boston-area Foundation for
1950s MaryAnn Black (MSW (MSW ‘74) died on Dec. 7, MetroWest. After earning
Endowment. persons with mental illness, developmental
his MSW, Carter completed disabilities, and substance use disorders.
Alice Albert Nelson (MSW ‘70) was featured in a 2020, after a long illness. She 2000s Estes is the treatment operations director
‘59) of Roanoke, Va., died documentary produced spent most of her career as a his Ph.D. at Boston
clinical social worker serving College, served as chief Rochelle Bostic (MSW ’04) for Coastal Horizons Center in Wilmington,
on Jan. 21. Nelson served by WRAL-TV. Black, who
veterans and their families. strategy officer for Harvard retired from Montgomery where he focuses on program development,
as a case worker with the died on March 26, 2020,
University’s Center on the County Schools after more fiscal and policy oversight, and clinical and
Children’s Home Society, served in the N.C. House of
Harry Lee Wicker, Sr. (MSW Developing Child and now than 37 years of service with administrative consultation. He is also an
as an associate professor Representatives and as a
‘70) of Sanford died on Oct. serves as senior evidence the school system. adjunct faculty member at UNC-Wilmington in
at Hollins College, and as a social worker.
19, 2020. Wicker served as a director for Project Evident. the MSW program.
foundation director before DSS director in both Harnett Tanya Smith Brice (Ph.D. ‘03)
William “Bill” Crawford
her retirement. and Lee counties and also Dara Garner-Edwards has accepted a new role as
(MSW ‘77) published his
fourth book, “Crawdaddy as a regional director for the (MSW ‘94) co-authored vice president of education
1960s the article “Predictors of for the Council on Social
Chases The Money Shot,” a State Commission for the
Martha Summers collection of photography Blind. engagement in a pediatric Work Education.
Satterwhite (MSW ‘67) died that celebrates the quirky weight management clinic
1980s after referral” in the journal Leah C. Brown (MSW ’01) of
last summer. Satterwhite and sometimes unnoticed Winston-Salem, N.C., died
worked in psychiatric and things that you might see Childhood Obesity. Garner-
Gary B. Bailey (MSW Edwards is associate director on March 23, 2021. Brown
family social work and was on a road trip. Crawford has ’84) completed his Ph.D. served the social work field
living in Houston, Tex., at the been capturing notable and family counselor with
dissertation in leadership Brenner FIT at Wake Forest for more than 20 years,
time of her death. images since his days as a studies at North Carolina including as a transitional
combat photojournalist in Baptist Health.
Don Watson (MSW ‘66) of A&T University in December supportive care navigator in
Vietnam. 2020. John Carmichael Healy population health with Wake
Tarboro, N.C., died on Dec
16, 2020. Before retiring, Suzanne Gray (MSW ‘77) (MSW ‘96) disappeared on Forest Baptist Health.
Josephine Baker (MSW ‘81) July 3, 2019, while swimming
Watson worked for the N.C. was tapped for a second was honored by the Town of Kathy Colville (MSW/MSPH
Department of Health and time to serve as interim near Oregon Inlet on North
Edenton, which designated Carolina’s Outer Banks. ‘05) was named CEO of the
Human Services, where he director of Greene County May 22, 2020, as “Josephine N.C. Institute of Medicine.
advocated for underserved Department of Social His family announced
Baker Day.” Baker was his obituary after an Colville will lead the
women and children. Services. recognized for her years of agency’s work to advise state
extensive search by rescue
Janice Gross Wells (MSW Artie McKesson Logan work on local race relations. organizations. policymakers, publish state
‘69) died on Dec. 30, 2020. (MSW ‘74) was featured in She founded and led a large health policy research, and
Wells served as director of the article “Social worker, group of Black and white Scott Janssen (MSW ‘93), help to identify solutions to
the MSW program at North psychotherapist helps citizens through her church, who works as a hospice public health challenges.
Carolina State University. underserved populations” in Edenton United Methodist. social worker, published an
Baker recently moved to essay for The Washington Chris Estes (MSW ‘00) has
the Morganton News Herald. joined the Aspen Institute
Edith Mayfield Wiggins Logan is the first and only Raleigh to be closer to her Post on death and the love
(MSW ‘64) died on April 4, family. that connects us. as associate director of
female African American the Community Strategies
2021. Wiggins was the first elected to the Burke County
Black vice chancellor at UNC- Linda Sharon Stephens Michelle McEntire (MSW Group. The organization
Board of Education. She Collins (MSW ‘80) died on ’98) was appointed by Gov. focuses on peer-to-
Chapel Hill, where she also has also served on nearly a
served as dean of student Oct. 7, 2020. Collins, who Roy Cooper as district court peer learning and rural
dozen community boards spent her entire adult life judge for N.C. Judicial District community development
affairs and as director of helping to address concerns
Campus Y. as a counselor, was one of 29A, representing McDowell efforts that address
including alcoholism, safe the first five LCSWs in North and Rutherford counties. inequality, access, and racism
1970s schools, and economic Carolina. McEntire fills the vacancy left and discrimination.
development. by the retirement of former
Rufus Agnew (MSW ‘70) died Chris Weedy (MSW ‘86) died Judge Randy Pool. She has Ebon Freeman-James (MSW
on Sept. 26, 2020. Agnew Karen McCoy (MSW ‘77) died on March 10, 2021. Weedy ‘02) was appointed by Gov.
on Dec. 29, 2020. McCoy’s been a sole practitioner at
pursued a career in nonprofit served many different McEntire Law, PLLC, since Roy Cooper to the N.C. Social
administration with United career included nearly people during her life, Work Certification and
20 years serving Native 2018 and previously worked Mia Ives-Rublee (MSW ‘08) was named director of the Disability Justice Initiative
Way and Community Chest including migrant farm in the District Attorney’s Licensure Board. Freeman-
organizations in New York American veterans through workers, persons (especially James is a retired clinical at the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C. Ives-Rublee is a long-time
her work with the Veterans Office for District 29A and as activist for disability justice and was named one of Glamour magazine’s “Women of
before retiring to Florida. children) who were HIV+ a clinical social worker. social worker for Capital
Administration. or who had AIDS, college Caring who serves as a the Year” in 2017 for her accomplishments.
students, incarcerated member of the UNC School
20 Contact | UNC School of Social Work | 2020–2021 Issue 2 Contact | UNC School of Social Work | 2020–2021 Issue 2 21You can also read
