Faculty and students from the School of Social Work showcased their research, innovative teaching approaches and professional expertise at the Council on Social Work Education’s 72nd Annual Conference, held Oct. 22-25, 2026, in Atlanta.
Representing a broad range of research and practice areas, presenters contributed to national conversations on social inequities, resilience, educational innovation and culturally responsive social work practices.
Doctoral student Kevin Edward Antwi, MSW, presented research examining structural inequities and longitudinal patterns in youth gun carrying. Dasha Rhodes, PhD, LCSW, assistant professor, joined ZaDonna M. Slay of Tennessee State University to discuss resilience among Black women in academia, while Khalilah Louis Caines, PhD, LCSW, assistant professor of instruction, explored the importance of self-awareness and systems awareness in creating sustainable change.
Dane Minnick, PhD, MSW, assistant professor, examined the role of team-based learning in the age of artificial intelligence. Jennifer Roth, MSW, LCSW; Jamie M. Clem, PhD, MSW; and Dharti Atchison, MSW, LCSW, also shared culturally grounded co-regulation strategies to inform social work practice.
Beyond their research presentations, faculty took on leadership roles and strengthened professional connections throughout the conference. Rhodes served as co-chair of the Student Presentations track, supporting opportunities for emerging scholars to share their work.
Minnick hosted a reception for the Association of MSW Program Directors, a grassroots initiative he founded to connect Master of Social Work program directors and create opportunities for collaboration, professional networking and shared learning.
The School of Social Work also maintained an exhibit booth, engaging with prospective students, alumni and fellow educators while highlighting academic programs and initiatives in the School of Scoial Work.
Through research presentations, professional leadership and meaningful engagement with the broader social work community, faculty and students highlighted the School of Social Work's contribution to advancing social work education, strengthening professional partnerships and preparing the next generation of social work professionals.