The School of Social Work launched its new strategic plan in May 2022. This five-year plan follows the four goals outlined by the university and serves as our roadmap for current and future decisions.
SSW Strategic Plan (Unanimously approved by the Faculty on May 4, 2022)
More than $300,000 awarded to students through scholarships in 2025-2026 academic year!
GOAL 1 – EDUCATION
Offer distinctive curricular programs that provide our students with an exceptional learning experience to prepare them as global citizens.
Objective 1
Structure and support all academic programs to attract and retain quality students and produce graduates who are committed to advancing social justice and providing quality, strengths-based, evidence-based services.
Objective 2
Provide more resources and opportunities to help faculty and instructors who are interested in improving their teaching skills
Objective 3
Provide more opportunities for student engagement and innovative, evidence-based practical experience
2025-2026 Highlights
- Increase in admits for BSW and DSW programs
- 17% BSW
- 40% DSW
- 3 BSW students and 4 MSW students presented at conferences
- 4 BSW and 3 MSW students worked on research projects with faculty
- SSW awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships
- 1st-time pass rate for MSW licensure program increased to 72.4% (National Average: 73%, Alabama Average: 56.2%)
32 BSW and MSW students have enrolled in the Students in Research Collaborative Action Training program
30% increase in annual peer-reviewed publications
Over $16 million in new and continued funding for faculty research projects
GOAL 2 – RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP
Cultivate interdisciplinary, community-engaged, research-based knowledge to address social problems, transform lives and develop solutions & future researchers that change our world for the better.
Objective 1
Increase the School of Social Work’s faculty research efforts across Alabama and the globe
Objective 2
Disseminate and publicize our faculty, staff and student research activities and scholarship through digital venues (newsletter, social media, research website)
Objective 3
Boost support for faculty scholarship activities
Objective 4
Continue recruitment of research faculty with active research agendas
2024-2025 Highlights
- Over $8 million in new funds for projects led by SSW faculty (lead PI in SSW)
- Over $16 million in new and continued external funding
- 30% increase in peer-reviewed articles published and submitted by faculty
- 129 conference and workshop presentations done by faculty
The School of Social Work hosted our 36th annual Ethel Hall Annual Celebration in February 2025.
GOAL 3 – CULTURE & COMMUNITY
Promote a healthy, inclusive environment to support the contributions of leaders with distinctive ideas within the discipline and to promote the overall well-being of our faculty, staff, and students.
Objective 1
Find ways to enhance and coordinate inclusion efforts within the school
Objective 2
Provide resources that focus on faculty, staff, and student wellness and mental well-being
Objective 3
Establish a healthy work culture through initiatives that promote professional development
and improve infrastructure
2025-2026 Highlights
- 57% increase in First-generation students across our four SSW programs
- 8% increase in international students across our SSW programs
GOAL 4 – COMMUNITY SERVICE & OUTREACH
Become leaders of social justice and progressive change through partnerships with local, national and global organizations.
Objective 1
Increase local, national and regional community awareness of UA SSW
Objective 2
Increase alumni engagement
Objective 3
Increase number of certification and continuing education programs offered to alumni and
regional social workers
Objective 4
Connect students to donors & alumni to provide students with fundraising experience &
opportunities and provide donors/alumni with a more personal connection with the school
2025-2026 Highlights
- Overall Economic Impact: 122,550 hours, $4.1 million dollars in more than 27 states and 2 countries
- State-wide Economic Impact: 86,600 hours, $3.1 million dollars in 25 Alabama counties
- Online webinars offered across the nation for continuing education credit (20 webinars, 2,271 attendees)
- The SSW Simulation Lab offered services to 45 SSW courses (539 student participants)
- The SSW Simulation Lab also offered 10 training sessions to local agencies (DHR and law enforcement – 252 participants)
Thank you for reading our updates for 2025-2026. We look forward to bringing you more news in the upcoming years!
