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On Friday, May 8, 2026, the Howard University School of Social Work celebrated the Summer 2025, Winter 2025, and Spring 2026 graduating classes during its annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony. The event honored 180 MSW graduates and 6 Ph.D. graduates for their academic excellence, leadership, scholarship, and commitment to advancing social justice through the profession of social work. The ceremony also recognized distinguished student award recipients and graduating leaders who exemplify the enduring strength of the Black Perspective in social work education and practice. 

Congratulations to Janice Berry Edwards, MSW, PhD, ACSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, BCD on receiving the Inabel Burns Lindsay Education Scholarship Award, which honors Howard University School of Social Work graduates who have made outstanding contributions to social work education. A proud alumna of the MSW Class of 1978, Professor and Chair of the Direct Practice Sequence, Dr. Edwards has dedicated her career to advancing behavioral health practice, clinical scholarship, and the preparation of future social workers committed to serving medically underserved communities. We celebrate this well-deserved recognition of her lasting impact on the social work profession and the Howard community.

Congratulations to Dr. Cudore L. Snell on being selected as a recipient of the Partners in Advancing International Education (PIE) Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to education for global social work. Presented through the PIE Awards Program, this honor celebrates conceptual, curricular, and programmatic innovations that advance international social work education and global engagement. This distinguished recognition will be presented at the CSWE 2026 Annual Conference in October 2026.

The Transformation to Triumph Women’s Summit, held February 27–March 1, 2026, convened professionals, students, and community leaders at Howard University and The Gathering Spot DC in response to widespread layoffs affecting Black women. The three-day hybrid event featured sessions on civic engagement, personal branding, financial identity, leadership, contracting, and global networking. School of Social Work representatives played a central role, including welcome remarks from Dean Sheara Jennings and presentations by alumni, faculty, and students.

Graduate students from the Howard University School of Social Work travel to Cape Town, South Africa, as part of the School’s International Service-Learning Program, now in its 15th year. During the 10-day experience, students worked with local partner organizations gaining hands-on experience while learning about the history and continuing effects of apartheid. Participants also visit significant cultural and historical sites, including Robben Island and the District Six Museum, to deepen their understanding of power, privilege, and social inequities. The trip fosters global perspectives on social work practice and community engagement, reinforcing Howard’s mission of Truth and Service beyond borders

We’re proud to highlight Associate Professor Dr. Tracy R. Whitaker, DSW, on the publication of her new book, Transformational Empathy: Erasing the Space Between Us and Them. This new work invites social workers to reflect, reconnect, and rethink how we serve individuals and communities.