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Director's Message

Welcome to the School of Social Work at University of Missouri! For over ninety years, social work education has been offered to students at Missouri’s premier public institution.

From the earliest stages of social work training in 1906 to developing leadership for social and economic justice in the 21st century, social work education at MU has progressed in response to the needs of the state and nation. The school is proud of this grass roots history: an early pioneer of social work education in 1906, a founding member of the original accrediting body for social work education in 1919, an institution advancing research and scholarship throughout the 20th century, and finally, to its role as an innovator in doctoral education, with a nationally distinctive PhD program emphasizing state social policy.

The profession of social work has evolved over the last 100 years as a persistent and determined social institution dedicated to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations through promotion, restoration, maintenance, and enhancement of the functioning of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. While almost every aspect of life has changed dramatically, many things remain unchanged. Social workers practicing at every level continue to be confronted with urgent, complex, and seemingly insoluble problems. As cultural contexts, social institutions, and the larger society continually change, the profession of social work continues to face new challenges.

In particular, in the contemporary context, leadership in state social services is crucial as policy matters devolve from the federal government to states and communities. Education in social welfare and social service policy, particularly as it relates to services administered and/or funded by state government, is essential to adequately address the needs of people in our society.

The School’s mission is to develop leadership for social and economic justice. In a world of sufficient resources, social and economic justice mandates minimal standards of economic and political equality. Social work practice based on social and economic justice recognizes that people not only become empowered through the ability to make choices but also through the availability of choices that give them more control over their presenting problem situations and, in turn, their own lives. Central to this perspective is social work practice that enhances resources, enables access to services, promotes advocacy and engenders change.

The School of Social Work educates leaders who are grounded in the unchanging realities, who are prepared to dynamically respond to the immediacy of change, and who will be proactive in a manner that creatively anticipates and plans for the future. We welcome you to visit us in person and on-line at ssw.missouri.edu, and learn more about the future awaiting you with the School of Social Work at University of Missouri.

Marjorie Sable, MSW, MPH, DrPH
Interim Director and Associate Professor

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