Dr. Janice M. Davis Retires After Nearly Three Decades at HUSSW

Retirement Notice of Dr. Janice M. Davis to the HUSSW Community: 

The Howard University School of Social Work (HUSSW) announces the forthcoming retirement of Dr. Janice M. Davis, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW-C. Director of Clinical Education and the Office of Agency-Based Education, effective March 2, 2026. Dr. Davis, a proud alumna of HUSSW, has dedicated nearly 30 years to advancing the mission of the school and shaping the career development of countless social work students.

Dr. Davis joined HUSSW in 1999, beginning her journey in the Office of Agency Based Education (formerly named Field Education) under the leadership of the late Dr. Ruby Gourdine. In 2011, Dr. Davis was appointed Director of Clinical Education by Dean Cudore Snell. Over the past 14 years, Dr. Davis has passionately led the Office of Agency-Based Education.

In addition to her leadership, Dr. Davis has taught courses such as Human Behavior and the Social Environment and Substance Use and Abuse. Her research interests have spanned the journeys of nontraditional students and first-generation college students, the impact of social class, art as a curricular innovation in social work, social determinants of health, and adolescent males in the education system. As a clinical social worker with over three decades of experience, Dr. Davis has worked in diverse roles including school social worker, medical social worker, substance abuse worker, and private practitioner. The social work profession has benefited from her many seminars, conferences, and workshops for professional development.

Dr. Davis received her PhD in Social Work from Morgan State University, a Master of Social Work degree from Howard University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development from Howard University. She maintains a private practice in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

Reflecting on her time at HUSSW, Dr. Davis expressed gratitude for “being allowed to work at my alma mater since 1999,” and that she has felt “honored to develop several cohorts of Howard-Prepared social work students.” Generations of HUSSW graduates have benefited from Dr. Davis’ care, mentorship, and commitment, both inside and outside of the classroom. Her contributions will continue to inspire practitioners, colleagues, and the greater HUSSW community for years to come.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Davis on her well-earned retirement and wishing her continued success as she embarks on the next chapter of her journey.

Dean Sheara Jennings