Howard University School of Social Work to Host 2025 GADE Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.
The Howard University School of Social Work is proud to announce that it will host the 2025 Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE) Annual Conference from April 2-4, 2025. This event will be held in Washington, D.C., marking the first time the conference will be hosted by a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
The GADE annual conference also coincides with a dual celebration for Howard University School of Social Work: 90 years of social work education and 45 years of doctoral education. Over these decades, Howard has produced more than 200 doctoral graduates (DSW/PhD) who have become national and international leaders in the field.
This year’s conference theme, "Shaping the Future: Doctoral Education for the Next Generation of Social Work Scholars and Leaders," reflects Howard University and GADE's shared dedication to social justice through the advancement of social work education. It further highlights the School of Social Work's mission to prepare future scholars and leaders to challenge systemic inequities, advocate for marginalized communities, and address the complex social issues shaping today's global landscape.
Bringing together 70+social work doctoral programs from across the USA and Canada, the conference will feature panel discussions and interactive breakout sessions designed to foster dialogue and collaboration about the future of social work education. These sessions will offer opportunities for networking, resource-sharing, problem-solving, and professional development, equipping attendees with innovative strategies to guide students.
Key topics to be addressed include:
- Supporting International Students in Their Social Work Doctoral Program Admittance and Matriculation
- Preparing Students for the Academic Job Market
- Generative AI in Doctoral Education
- Pathways to Doctoral Education for Social Work Students
- Data-Driven Change: Revisioning a DSW Program Using Market Research
A key highlight of the conference will be the participation of Stacey Abrams, New York Times bestselling author, business owner, political leader, and the Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair for Race and Black Politics at Howard University. Abrams, renowned for her groundbreaking leadership and transformative impact, will bring her unique perspective on leadership, equity, and social justice to this distinguished gathering of social work educators and thought leaders.
The three-day conference will be held on Howard University’s campus, with sessions taking place at The Oliver and the Louis Stokes Library.
Hosting the GADE Annual Conference honors Howard’s legacy of academic excellence and social justice advocacy while also serving as a catalyst for bold, transformative conversations that will drive innovation, equity, and change in the field of social work for generations to come. We are honored to welcome GADE and social work doctoral program directors to our campus and look forward to their engagement.
To learn more about GADE, visit https://www.gadesocialwork.org/