2025 Table of contents
Features
Dean Gary S. Cuddeback reflects on a year of enrollment growth, new faculty, research innovation, student and alumni excellence, and the success of strategic initiatives.
The School of Social Work is supporting stronger, more resilient children and families with grant-funded projects that are educating and training Virginia's workforce and caregivers.
Led by M. Alex Wagaman, associate professor, the School of Social Work is leveraging an evidence-informed, participatory research model that injects lived experiences into project decision-making and cultivates future leaders – what our faculty call "radical imagination.
From macro social work to mental health initiatives, from a community-focused Evaluation Lab to a world of international partnerships, the School of Social Work is extending its reach and impact.
Sections
Student Excellence – Unmatched Potential: Meet four recent graduates; go on the road with our B.S.W. Program; learn about our exceptional doctoral students and new graduates; and our amazing student researchers across all our academic programs.
Faculty-Staff Excellence – Unsurpassed Expertise: A national fellowship; online gaming as an important training tool; new leadership appointments; our top staff award; and international research and academic exchanges.
Research Excellence – Uncovering a Deeper Understanding: An unusual data library; interdisciplinary collaboration; and a roll call of all things research.
Alumni-Donor Excellence – Unstoppable Drive: A VCU-inspired national leader; highly honored graduates; a life-saving moment; mentoring in overdrive; a new scholarship; impactful policy; community awards; and Giving Day generosity.
About this report
Welcome to our fifth VCU School of Social Work annual report (2025). We are recapping the 2024-2025 academic year and celebrating the accomplishments of our faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members.