SSW Welcomes New Dean, Acknowledges
From the fall 2008 issue of UConn Momentum
The School of Social Work at the Greater Hartford campus has two reasons to celebrate. On August 1, the school welcomed Salome Raheim as its new dean. Raheim previously was a professor, senior associate to the president and director of the School of Social Work at the University of Iowa. Raheim, a native of Baltimore, began her career in 1976 as a psychiatric social worker in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Her teaching career began at her alma mater, Bowie State College, where she taught in the social work department.
Along with a B.S.W. from Bowie State, Raheim completed an M.S.W. at Catholic University and a Ph.D. in communication studies at the University of Iowa. Her research interests are in the areas of cultural competence, social justice and human rights. Raheim was chosen as the 2007 CSWE Carl A. Scott Memorial Lecturer for her contributions to social and economic justice. One of her goals is to provide greater direct support for students in the master’s degree and Ph.D. programs.
She says, “We’d like to develop more resources to help our students in the form of scholarships, sources for graduate assistantships and opportunities for research. In this economy, it’s challenging for students to keep up with their financial commitments to education. Since their direct work with disadvantaged populations is so critical and their contributions to the social work community so invaluable, it’s important that the University assist them with the resources to succeed.”
Among the resources that will help Raheim achieve her goals is a significant planned bequest from Professor Emeritus Archibald Stuart. Stuart taught at UConn from 1961 to 1991, and developed an international reputation as an expert on social welfare policy.
The Archibald Stuart Fund for Excellence in Social Work is intended to support professional development for faculty members, student scholarships and student-faculty activities.
“Emeritus Professor Stuart’s bequest intention is most welcome as we set about creating greater opportunities and resources for our students. It’s wonderful to see the devotion of faculty emeriti and their interest in determining the future course of the school,” says Raheim.
At age 85, Stuart still has a strong commitment to the School of Social Work, and attends graduations and other events as he is able. He is also writing a comprehensive book on social policy to leave as his legacy to the field.
Catherine Havens, associate dean, was Stuart’s colleague when he was on the faculty. She says, “Mr. Stuart has been, both as a faculty member and emeritus faculty member, passionately committed to social and economic justice, and a model for our students in pursuing those goals. His gift will be a lasting legacy to his teaching, his social policy work and his continuing commitment to the School of Social Work.”
For more information about supporting the School of Social Work, please contact the UConn Foundation's development department.
