Dean's Corner - February Issue

Dear CSSW Community, 

There is so much going on in our larger world, and right here at the University – some changes that affect us directly, some indirectly, and some that affect those around us in our communities. This is likely to continue to happen for some time. 

We are in the midst of a blizzard of changes. Please know that University leaders and advisors are working around the clock to keep up with them, interpret the changes, and determine their impact on our community. The leadership of CSSW is doing the same -- keeping on top of these issues to the best of our ability, meeting constantly outside of usual meetings, and holding special meetings to respond and manage through this.

This past month has brought forth a range of emotions as one unprecedented moment after another has saturated our news. This is a time when I continue to choose to lean into our touchstone this year, one of our core social work values: the importance of human relationships. I am turning to my community, including many of you, at this moment, and encourage you to do the same. Should you need any additional support, there are resources available, which are shared below. Please take extra care of yourselves and each other.

February also welcomes Black History Month – a time to acknowledge and celebrate Black leaders and their contributions to our world. CSSW is proud to have among our community leaders figures such as: Winona Cargile Alexander, a cofounder of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated who was enrolled as the first African-American student at CSSW in 1915; Christian Nunes, a social worker and advocate for children’s and women’s issues, who currently serves as the President of NOW (the National Organization for Women); as well as Sheila Oliver, who served as lieutenant governor of New Jersey from 2018 until her untimely passing in 2023 – she was the first Black woman to serve in this role, and the first woman of color elected to statewide office in New Jersey. I hope you can join our Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion next Wednesday, February 19th 12:15 pm-1:45 pm for their 2025 Black Heritage Month Panel: Leading with Radical Love. 

I will close with this: during our all staff meeting this week, we welcomed a special guest, Pastor Mike Walrond. Pastor Mike is the founder of the HOPE Center, one of our community partners that we have had the great pleasure of working with over the years. He reminded us all of how important and necessary our work is. He mentioned that those who are in the hope business cannot, at this time, lose hope. His call to action was this: we must remain steadfast in our passion for what is possible; we must maintain an enduring commitment to creativity, especially during moments of hardship; and lastly, we must be resolute in our deep hunger for healing, for ourselves and for the communities we serve. 

May this month give us time to strengthen our commitment to compassion in the pursuit of service and social justice. 

In community,

Melissa