Equity and Inclusion
The Office of Equity and Inclusion plays a critical role in enhancing the UTCSW strategic vision, mission, and five college commitments, particularly the fourth commitment of continuing as an anti-racist, equitable, supportive workplace that lives the college’s values through internal and external interactions.
This office supports the goals of the Statement of Aspirations, approved by the UT Board of Trustees on February 28, 2025.
Ongoing Initiatives
Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
The committee serves as an advisory committee to the Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion (ADEI) and strengthens the College of Social Work’s enduring commitment to the principles of anti-racism, diversity, and equity as required by the CSWE EPAS 2022 and practice in accordance with the NASW Code of Ethics.
International Opportunities
The College of Social Work is committed to supporting our national and international students through global recruitment efforts for all our programs. Additionally, we support our faculty in developing international projects and creating academic experiences abroad while building relationships with national and international social work programs to prepare students for global social work practice.
Social Justice Innovation Initiative
The Social Justice Innovation Initiative
at the College of Social Work is privately funded through a gift from longtime college supporter Susan Cooper. The initiative offers a unique framework for understanding many of society’s most pressing issues around education, healthcare, and social justice. The initiative provides grants for students and faculty to challenge social injustices in their communities creatively.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Mary Held is the Assistant Dean and MSSW Program Director of the Nashville campus. Dr. Held has dedicated her scholarship to strengthening knowledge related to trauma and resilience in immigrant communities.
Student-led Organizations
The Coalition of Black Social Workers
Open to all students, the student-led Coalition of Black Social Workers (CBSW) exists to engage, connect, and empower Black social work students and professionals in the community, with the goal of increasing awareness about issues specific to the Black community and cultivating a network of support.