Francis Alonzo

The meeting focused on setting priorities for the school, including listening sessions with faculty, staff, and students, and establishing monthly forums. Key topics included academic excellence, the school's commitment to social justice, urban health, and diversity in faculty, staff, and students. Concerns were raised regarding the need for improved communication and branding, the need for transparency, and managing faculty workload. Reports were provided on the results of a recent retreat, followed by departmental updates from Community Health Sciences, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, which included discussions on curriculum overhauls, the launch of a new Big Data sequence, and the challenges of managing research and enrollment.

The event featured the investiture of Dr. Joanna Burdette as the inaugural Dr. Edward S. Mika and Mrs. Josephine E. Mika Professor in Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Chemistry. Discussion topics included the professional background and research achievements of the recipient, specifically her work in ovarian cancer prevention, etiology, and treatment, as well as the history and legacy of the Mika professorship and its contribution to the College of Pharmacy. Speakers underscored the importance of endowed professorships in supporting research missions and fostering collaborative academic and scientific environments.

The session focused on student-driven anti-racist curriculum changes within the college of nursing. Key discussions included defining structural racism versus race in the context of health disparities, the need to update outdated clinical guidelines that rely on race as a risk factor, and the importance of auditing the curriculum to ensure it aligns with equity and inclusion goals. Faculty and students explored methods for fostering a culture of anti-racist nursing education, including the use of guest speakers and the integration of intersectionality into course content.

This Global Strategy outlines a roadmap to enhance the School of Social Work's international engagement and impact, culminating in Vision 2030. The plan focuses on four key strategies: fostering global citizenship through transformative learning experiences and education abroad; increasing engagement and impact in the Global South via innovative scholarship and partnerships; promoting leadership for innovative partnerships and development; and ensuring inclusive excellence by integrating international students and expanding global internship and enrollment opportunities. The overarching goal is to prepare culturally competent practitioners and address critical global challenges.

This strategic plan outlines the School of Social Work's direction over the next five years, building on existing strengths and the University's 'Next 150' plan. The plan is structured around four core pillars: research, teaching and learning, community and public engagement, and school environment and culture. Its overarching purpose is to enhance health and wellbeing, empower individuals and communities, dismantle inequitable systems, and promote social justice, with a focus on innovative research, effective teaching, and engaged partnerships.