Our Stories

Social Work Stories and News You May Have Missed

GCSW Named Organization of the Year, by NASW‑TX Houston arrio

We are proud to share that at last night’s NASW‑TX Houston Social Workers’ Gala, the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work was honored with two prestigious recognitions: the Organization of the Year Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award. Accepted in community by GCSW leadership, faculty, students, alumni, and staff, these honors reflect the collective impact of our college and the enduring contributions of Ann Liberman, Director of Alumni and Career Services, whose career has meaningfully shaped the social work profession. Presented to organizations and individuals whose work exemplifies the mission, ethics, and core values of social work, these awards affirm our shared commitment to excellence, equity, and purpose as we continue Charting Our Path Forward—together.

Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy (CRISP)

"Thank you to the GCSW for including me in the CRISP trip to DC, it's a privilege to go represent and advocate for social work on such an important stage." - MSW Student Leticia Barrios

Student Advocacy Day at the Capitol, held as part of Social Work Day on the aHill and hosted by the Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy (CRISP), is a national convening that prepares emerging social work leaders to engage in policy and advocacy. Grounded in the theme “Our Voices Matter: Your Voice is Your Vote,” the experience underscores the vital role social workers play in connecting community needs with legislative action. The Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) sent 11 MSW students to participate in skill-building sessions focused on advocacy, policy communication, and civic engagement, culminating in direct meetings with legislators on Capitol Hill where students applied their training through real-time policy discussions and community-informed advocacy—reinforcing the event as both a powerful learning opportunity and a call to action for advancing equity, justice, and community well-being.

Inside the GCSW

Internal Updates and Initiatives

Dr. Quenette Walton selected by NADD for its Next Level Leaders in Social Work Education Program

Congratulations to Associate Dean of Doctoral Education Dr. Quenette L. Walton, PhD, LCSW for her selection to the 2026 National Association of Deans and Directors of Schools of Social Work (NADD) Next Level Leaders Program! The program provides mentorship to current and upcoming leaders in social work education — all with the goal of preparing them for a new step in their careers. Prior to her selection to the Next Level Leaders Program, Dr. Walton was named the Humana Endowed Chair in Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) in 2024. She continues to inspire the GCSW community to keep.

Next-Level Leadership: An Institute for Women Leaders

This semester, members of the Dean’s Executive Team attended the Next-Level Leadership: An Institute for Women Leaders conference in Denver, Colorado. This two-day experience invited women leaders from across higher education to engage in work that was both deeply personal and systemically grounded, with a focus on strengthening leadership identity, expanding networks, and navigating the complexities of leadership in today’s academic landscape. Through thoughtful dialogue, shared experiences, and strategic insight, participants left inspired—and better equipped—to advance leadership, collaboration, and excellence within their institutions and beyond.hat partner with the Graduate College of Social Work.

The GCSW went #ALLINFORUH

The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work’s Giving Day campaign generated $1,610.97 through 34 gifts from 20 donors, including two matching gift opportunities in the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 rounds. This year’s effort reflects a meaningful increase in both participation and impact, building on the College’s typical annual giving benchmarks. Under the leadership of GCSW Dean, Yarneccia D. Dyson, the community rallied with strong momentum—surpassing 30 gifts in a single campaign and advancing to the Final Four in the Giving Day bracket challenge. Together, these outcomes highlight the collective commitment to investing in students, strengthening community impact, and continuing to advance the College’s mission with purpose and excellence.