Our Latest Stories
Welcome to the latest updates from the School of Social Work. In this section, you’ll find the most recent news, achievements, and initiatives from our vibrant community. From groundbreaking research and innovative programs to student and faculty accomplishments, we are excited to share how our work is making a meaningful impact both locally and globally. Stay tuned for inspiring stories and updates that highlight our commitment to transforming lives and fostering positive change.
Professor Emeritus Paula Nurius retires
Professor Emeritus Paula Nurius is retiring from the University of Washington School of Social Work at the conclusion of the 2024-25 academic year. Dr. Nurius concludes an illustrious 40-year career that started in 1984 and continues to influence translational science and support of PhD students in research and scholarship.
May 19, 2025
Faculty Emeritus Nancy Amidei passes on April 8th
Nancy Amidei, senior lecturer emeritus with the University of Washington School of Social Work, died peacefully at her home on April 8th after a long battle with blood cancer. Nancy was a pillar of the social work community, spending her life and career speaking up for poor and disenfranchised communities. Nancy joined the School of Social Work in 1992 and served as a faculty member for 16 years.
April 24, 2025
Keynote speaker for 2025 SSW graduation announced
The University of Washington School of Social Work is excited to announce that Dr. Kirk “Jae” James, a clinical associate professor and director of the DSW program at the NYU Silver School of Social Work, is the keynote speaker for the 2025 SSW graduation. This year’s graduation celebration will be held on Thursday, June 12th, from 7p.m. – 9:30p.m. at the Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.
April 21, 2025
UW Ph.D. student accepts faculty position at Hunter College – CUNY
The University of Washington School of Social Work is thrilled to announce that Hannah Scheuer, a graduating Ph.D. student, has accepted a position as a tenure track assistant professor at The Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College – City University of New York (CUNY). Scheuer graduates from UW in Spring 2025 and will begin her faculty position in January 2026.
March 27, 2025
Laurie Lippold named senior policy advisor at Partners for Our Children
After 12 years as the public policy director for Partners For Our Children (P4C), Laurie Lippold now serves as P4C’s senior policy advisor and continues to champion policies that keep families together. To celebrate Lippold’s contributions to P4C and policies affecting families across the state, we want to highlight Lippold’s journey and career at the School of Social Work.
March 20, 2025
UW School of Social Work plays large role in SSWR 2025
Seattle hosted the annual Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) conference for the first time, with the UW School of Social Work playing a significant role in welcoming peer institutions and contributing in large numbers to the research presentations. UW faculty, doctoral students, and staff researchers presented on various critical issues, including food insecurity, foster care policy advocacy, suicide risk among college students and more.
February 23, 2025