CSWE Center for Diversity and Social Economic Justice Announces New Leadership

News

Published on : October 21, 2024

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Center for Diversity and Social & Economic Justice (Diversity Center) provides CSWE members with the opportunity and the means to support greater diversity and social and economic justice in education, teaching, research, curricula, institutional arrangements, and leadership development.

CSWE is pleased to announce the leadership transition of its Diversity Center.

As we express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Padilla for her outstanding contributions over the past 9 years, we are excited to welcome Altaf Husain, PhD, as the Diversity Center Scholar for the 2024–2025 academic year. Dr. Husain serves as an associate professor and chair of the Community, Administration, and Policy Practice concentration at Howard University’s School of Social Work in Washington, DC. Dr. Husain earned his PhD from Howard University and his MSW from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. Along with teaching macro social work courses, he has primary teaching responsibilities for the Displaced Populations field of practice specialization, which includes social work practice with individuals experiencing homelessness and natural and human-caused disasters, as well as with immigrants and refugees.

CSWE would like to recognize Yolanda C. Padilla, PhD, for her leadership and vision as inaugural Director of the Diversity Center from 2015 through 2024. Under Dr. Padilla’s leadership, the Center produced numerous presentations and educator resources offering creative pedagogical approaches to diversity and justice education. Dr. Padilla is currently the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Clara Pope Willoughby Centennial Professor at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. Thank you, Dr. Padilla for your support and leadership!

In addition, we are seeking dedicated individuals to join our Advisory Committee. This committee will advise and support the continued success and activities of the Center by collaborating with and supporting CSWE staff and the Diversity Center Scholar in content development, dissemination, and presentations. Advisory Board members must be full- or part-time social work faculty members at a CSWE-accredited or candidate social work program. Diversity Center Advisory Board members are appointed to a 2-year term of service. If you are interested in contributing your expertise and insights, and want to learn more about this volunteer opportunity, visit cswe.org/volunteer.

Apply here by Tuesday, November 19, 2024.