Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Rowena G. Wilson – Honoring a Howard Legacy in Doctoral Social Work Education

Dr. Rowena G. Wilson
Howard University School of Social Work Alumna (MSW ’74, DSW ’80)

“Compassion + Action is how I strive to live my personal life,” says Dr. Rowena G. Wilson. “It represents how I interact with others, how I serve them, how I problem-solve, and how I express my humanity—especially with those experiencing pain or suffering. To me, it is natural and human to care about others, to join in the celebrations of life with them, and to extend a helping hand in times of need. Essentially, Compassion + Action is what I call love.”

These words beautifully echo the 2025 National Social Work Month theme, “Social Work: Compassion + Action.” Introduced in March but resonating throughout the year, this theme acknowledges the power of empathy backed by purpose and skill—qualities Dr. Wilson has embodied throughout her distinguished career.  

Her path began in 1969 with a sociology degree and a desire to serve. After working at Glenn Dale and DC General Hospitals, she discovered Howard University’s School of Social Work and enrolled in the MSW NET Program in 1972. At that time, the School was in the midst of a bold transformation under Dean Dr. Douglas Glasgow. The curriculum, faculty, and student body were energized by a growing focus on the Black community, the African diaspora, and social liberation.

Dr. Wilson flourished in this environment. She majored in Policy, Planning, and Administration, completed impactful field placements with Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s Office and Georgetown University Child Development Center, and conducted thesis research on the education of Black children in Tobytown. Her time at Howard instilled in her the power of culturally grounded education, rigorous research, and service rooted in justice.

In 1976, she returned to Howard to pursue the Doctor of Social Work degree. There, she was mentored by legends including Dr. Jay Chunn, Dr. Lewis Carr, and especially Dr. Dorothy Pearson, who chaired her dissertation committee. The lessons she gained under their leadership helped form the bedrock of her professional identity—as a scholar, teacher, leader, and visionary.

Dr. Wilson’s leadership would take root nationally when she made history as the first Black President of the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE) from 2000 to 2003. That moment was not just a personal milestone—it was a reflection of the excellence cultivated at Howard. Years later, in April 2025, Howard University made history once again as the first HBCU to host the annual GADE conference, a proud moment that reflects the legacy of leaders like Dr. Wilson who helped open the door.

Her professional journey includes decades of service at Norfolk State University, where she played an instrumental role in launching one of the first doctoral programs in social work at an HBCU. She held numerous leadership roles at NSU—including DSW/PhD Program Director, Associate Dean, Interim Dean, and Dean of the School of Social Work—as well as Dean of the Graduate School. Her contributions not only elevated NSU but impacted doctoral education across the country, particularly at HBCUs.

Throughout her career, Dr. Wilson remained closely tied to Dr. Pearson and the Howard legacy—collaborating on national initiatives, supporting the Carl Scott Memorial Lecture Series, and mentoring future scholars committed to equity and innovation.

Looking back, she shares: “The magnificent faculty that taught and mentored me were exceptionally committed to my success. The extraordinary deans and faculty had a shared vision for the School that was transformative—not only for students like me, but for the profession as a whole.”

And to future social workers, her message is clear and enduring:
“Be intentional about your education and training. Develop a thirst for knowledge and answers to the concerns that keep you up at night and move you to action. And finally, follow your passion and make a meaningful difference in the world.”

The Howard University School of Social Work proudly honors Dr. Rowena G. Wilson—a trailblazer, educator, and advocate whose journey continues to inspire and uplift. Her legacy lives on in every student she taught, every policy she influenced, and every leader she mentored. She is the embodiment of Compassion + Action—past, present, and future.