THE INAUGURAL PUBLICATION FROM THE GRADUATE COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK
INsight
Message From the Interim Dean
As the Interim Dean of the Graduate College of Social Work, I am delighted to welcome you to the Spring 2024 edition of INsight, a new publication for the college, which showcases the exceptional work, research and achievements of the Graduate College of Social Work faculty, staff, students and alumni. Entering the Social Work building each day, I am welcomed by the reimagined mosaic in the main lobby created by public artist Reginald Adams and am reminded of the social work values that underpin the education, research and community outreach in the college. As my time as Interim Dean approaches the one-year mark, I am consistently amazed by the breadth of work in the college and the impact that the faculty, staff, students and alumni are making on our local, national and global communities.
As you continue reading, you will discover insightful content that celebrates the accomplishments of our faculty and students, while also highlighting the contributions of our alumni over the past two years. From innovative research projects to impactful community partnerships, each story demonstrates an unwavering commitment to excellence in social work research and education.
Looking ahead, I am pleased to announce that the University of Houston is launching the search for a permanent Dean for the GCSW. This is an exciting opportunity for the identification of a visionary leader who will help shape the future of the GCSW. I encourage the GCSW community to actively participate in the search process and to contribute your insights and perspectives.
A special note of appreciation to all who contributed to this publication, whether through writing, editing or sharing their experiences. Your passion and dedication are commendable and reflect the strength and resilience of the GCSW community.
Thank you for your continued support of the Graduate College of Social Work. Happy reading!
Increasing Equitable Access
Revisions have been made across our curriculum to better align course design and student learning with the college’s mission and vision. Intentional strides have been made to help address the financial burdens and nationwide racial and ethnic disparities associated with student loan debt from pursuing an MSW degree, along with inequities associated with the costs of practicum education.
Last summer, the Office of the Provost and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) approved the GCSW’s proposal to reduce the semester credit hours required for the college’s MSW program, which greatly enhances the accessibility and affordability of our program.
The implementation of this proposal not only drastically decreases course completion hours for both full and advanced-standing students but, depending on enrollment and residency status, increases student savings for the overall program.
Moreover, the GCSW has shifted all four required practicum courses from either 2 or 3 credit hours to 1 credit hour, reducing the cost of each practicum course without changing the practicum clock hour requirements set by the social work education accreditation agency. The college has also increased the number of courses that use only open access materials, including our entire generalist curriculum, limiting the need to purchase textbooks. Students who follow the face-to-face enrollment model are now required to attend no more than two days on campus each week, drastically reducing the time students have to commute to school and their transportation costs.
Other initiatives the GCSW has incorporated include student access to:
- Student Lounge Snack Pantry - students can pick up snacks and small meals, reducing students’ need to purchase food while on campus. The pantry also has some items that can be taken home as needed.
- SHINE REwear Closet & Shared Regalia Program - mutual aid resources for students in any enrollment model at the GCSW to acquire casual and professional clothing or regalia eliminating the rental fee which can cost around $100.
- Second Servings Donations - students have access to free sandwiches from Antone’s every Tuesday afternoon.
- Free meals for our UH-SL Hybrid MSW Students - meals have always been a part of the hybrid MSW program at the UH Sugar Land campus, with both breakfast and lunch provided every class day. The meals have provided students not only food during the day, but also a chance to build community within and across cohorts.
Faculty in Focus
Who. We. Are
Faculty in Focus is a dynamic video series campaign designed to magnify the voices and expertise of our faculty members across a variety of research domains. The GCSW has consistently made it a top priority to celebrate and highlight our diversity from within. This campaign encapsulates our commitment to not only recognize the individual strengths and passions of our educators but also to foster a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and knowledge.
Trauma Education Program Celebrates 13th Anniversary
The Trauma Education Program (TEP) continues to be a leader in trauma education with a local and national impact. Led by Faculty Advisor Donna Amtsberg, the TEP is dedicated to preparing diverse leaders in trauma-informed practice through education, research and collaborations with community organizations.
Dr. Chiara Acquati Named Research Seed Grant Recipient
Dr. Chiara Acquati was awarded a High Priority Area Research Seed Grant to assess the feasibility and acceptability of eCARE (Ellipsis Caregiver Assessment Enhancement), a mobile Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled tool for monitoring depression and anxiety among racial and ethnic minority cancer caregivers.
Promotions
Celebrate. Recognize.
Recognizing and taking pride in the commendable accomplishments of our faculty and staff brings immense joy to the entire GCSW community. We are delighted to spotlight the earned promotions of Renia s. Butler as the director of communications, Jamie Parker as the newly appointed clinical associate professor, and Dr. Suzanne Pritzker, who has been promoted to the position of full professor.
Research in Action
The H.E.A.R. LAB
The H.E.A.R. Lab stands committed to a profound mission that underscores the imperative role of scholars in advancing collaborative, accessible and anti-racist research that places communities at the forefront, igniting transformative social change. Fostering a collective capacity for scholars is essential to creating research that transcends traditional boundaries and resonates with diverse audiences.
UH Healthy Start
UH Healthy Start is a national initiative dedicated to enhancing the well-being of mothers, infants and families throughout the entire pregnancy journey and beyond. Utilizing community-based recruitment, coordinated care case management, home visits and outreach, along with educational efforts, Healthy Start aims to diminish infant and maternal mortality rates, enhance access to prenatal care and eliminate service-related barriers.
SUSTAIN Wellbeing Compass Coordinating Center
The SUSTAIN Wellbeing COMPASS Coordinating Center of the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work has made a lasting impact in the fight against the HIV epidemic in the Southern U.S. over the past five years, particularly for Black and Latinx-led organizations
Student Success
Alberto Cabrera
Doctoral student Alberto Cabrera selected as a fellow for the American Psychological Association's Interdisciplinary Minority Fellowship Program (IMFP). Cabrera’s research within the Latinx community focuses on advocacy, improving access to mental health services, and empirically supported treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Frances Fisher
MSW student Frances Fisher was selected as a 2023 Ima Hogg Scholarship recipient by The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health based on her commitment to strengthening the well-being of communities as professionals in the Texas mental health workforce.
Monica Martinez
MSW student Monica Martinez received the "Best Overall" poster award at the 2023 NASW Conference for her research on decolonizing psychedelic therapy. Which validates the increasing importance of social work in psychedelic treatment, as the field of psychedelic medicine continues to expand.
Gaby Mohr-Avita
Doctoral student Gabby Mohr appointed to the newly constituted Student Advisory Board (SAB) charged with formalizing social work doctoral students’ engagement with the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE). The 10-member board comprises Ph.D. and DSW students from member institutions. The SAB will advance GADE’s mission by joining the board of directors in developing initiatives that are responsive to student interests and concerns.
Christian Ohonba
MSW student Christian Ohonba selected as the Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship recipient by the NASW Foundation based on her experience with health/mental health practice and commit to working in African American communities.
Lorenzo Salinas
Dual degree candidate for a Master of Social Work/Master of Public Policy Lorenzo Salinas was recently confirmed to serve on the City of Houston's Food Insecurity Board. Lorenzo’s stellar academic performance, passion for public policy, advanced research skills and social work background to help the board guide city leaders' efforts to provide Houstonians with increased access to healthy food.
Advocacy IN Austin
GCSW students participated in Social Work Advocacy Day (SWAD) in Austin to amplify the voices of mental health care professionals and social work students. The focus was on addressing pay disparities for all mental health professionals offering psychotherapy and ensuring financial support for social work practicum placements. This support is championed by Pay For Placements (P4P), a national movement dedicated to providing payments or stipends for social work practicum placements, with a specific emphasis on assisting students with financial need.
Recent Doctoral Graduates
A special congratulatory tribute to those earning their Ph.D.'s from the GCSW during the Spring 2022 - Spring 2024. Your dedication, hard work, and scholarly achievements have not only earned you a well deserved doctoral degree but have also contributed significantly to the academic excellence of the GCSW.
Alumni Illumination
The alumni of the Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) play a pivotal role in shaping the future of social work and making a meaningful impact on communities. With a shared commitment to social justice, advocacy and community engagement, GCSW alumni bring their expertise and passion to diverse fields within the realm of social work. As advocates for positive change, these dedicated professionals contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities, addressing social challenges and advancing the values instilled by their alma mater. Alumni Illumination aims to elevate the voices, work and collective achievements of those alumni who drive transformative change in society.
Intentional. Interiors.
GCSW alumna Erica Solis has transformed the experiences of GCSW MSW and Ph.D. students by closing the gap between what the GCSW promotes in its mission and values and the actual physical spaces students are expected to learn in through intentional interior design. Erica's intentional application of decolonization design throughout the GCSW has created shared spaces for meaningful and authentic engagement among students, where all are equally represented.
Educate. Honor. Heal
Serving as a super volunteer for the Society of Justice & Equality for the People of Sugar Land (S.O.J.E.S.), an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to historic preservation and community education about African American contributions to Sugar Land and Fort Bend County, Texas, GCSW alumna Ursela Knox collaborates with legislative officials, appointed officers, community organizers and volunteers to address our history of racial injustice.
Art IN Focus
Over the past five years, the Graduate College of Social Work has enhanced the student experience through the incorporation of art, seamlessly weaving it into the fabric of our institution to serve as a source of inspiration for our graduates. This carefully selected art not only captivates the eye but also serves as a profound testament to the integral role that social work plays in our society. Each piece, thoughtfully designed, not only enhances our physical spaces but also serves as a platform to showcase and celebrate the incredible talent of local Houston artists.
PULLING TOGETHER | Our Mural Reimagined
Public artist Reginald C. Adams shared his vision behind the reimagining of the Pulling Together mural on the first floor of the college. Our new mural not only honors GCSW’s legacy but also documents our evolution as a college. The alluring centerpiece is a point of pride reflecting the college’s memories and determined vision to achieve social, racial, economic and political justice in every detail. This artistic expression of our social work values serves as both inspiration and reminder of our commitment to standing up, speaking out and taking action on behalf of marginalized communities with the distinct goal of liberation for all.
ONWARD | A Continuation
ONWARD | The Next 50 Years is a series of twelve striking portraits by artists Anat Ronen and Sanah Brown-Bowers that began in 2019. Each portrait highlights GCSW students, alumni and community activists alongside their social justice inspirations. The portraits are proof that positive social justice work, throughout its history, is carried forth by ordinary citizens who dream of better lives for us all and then fight for it. The final portraits of the series were installed Fall 2022.
TOWARD | Liberation and Freedom
The mural 'Toward: Liberation and Freedom’ by artist Tierney L. Malone was commissioned in August of 2021. Inspired by the Graduate College of Social Work’s dynamic mission to encourage future social workers to return to being activists and abolitionists in the areas and issues that affect the communities they will serve. Each panel of the mural represents a book featured in the GCSW recommended reading list, which includes the works of activists and scholars advocating for a more moral, just and equitable society.
Mission and Vision
The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) prepares diverse leaders in practice and research to address complex challenges and achieve sustainable social, racial, economic and political justice, locally and globally, through exceptional education, innovative research and meaningful community engagement.
Our vision is to achieve social, racial, economic and political justice, local to global.
Editor’s note: As we strive for excellence in our publication, we recognize the importance of maintaining accuracy and clarity in all our content. However, we understand that despite our best efforts, typos and errors may occasionally slip through the cracks. If you come across any typos, errors, or inconsistencies within our publication, we encourage you to report them to us promptly via gcswnews@uh.edu
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