The School of Social Work welcomed new faculty and friends at an Aug. 28 open house. It was the first public event to be held at the school’s new home at 279 Williams St.
UGA President Jere W. Morehead, who was among the guests, praised the school’s endeavors.
“I believe that this permanent home for the School of Social Work will turn out to be one of those seminal events in the history of the school and will help ensure its continued rise in national prominence,” Morehead said.
Dean Maurice Daniels thanked the president and provost for their support and expressed his hopes for the school’s future.
“We are pleased with the wonderful learning environment for our faculty and students,” Daniels said. “We are especially pleased with this location’s proximity to the Athens-Clarke County community, and we look forward to utilizing this space to maximize partnerships with community organizations. It is also a real pleasure to welcome exceptional new faculty members who bring a passion for research, teaching, service and the cause of social justice.”
Daniels introduced new faculty members Llewellyn J. Cornelius, recently appointed as the Donald L. Hollowell Distinguished Professor of Social Justice and Civil Rights Studies and director of the Center for Social Justice, Human and Civil Rights, and assistant professors Rebecca Matthew, Jane McPherson and Michael Robinson.
Mary Frances Early, the first African-American to graduate from the university, and Associate Dean Shari Miller also addressed the attendees. Students led guests on tours of the 157-year-old building, a former textile mill on the banks of the North Oconee River.
Visitors viewed an art exhibit created by children in Helping Art Reach Public Spaces, a program that provides free arts education and mentoring to youth in the East Athens area. The program was developed by artist and community activist Broderick Flanigan, who also was in attendance.
Also among the guests were Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Pamela Whitten and Charles Stewart, who served as the school’s first dean from 1964 to 1995. Stewart recalled when the school was first housed in Waddell Hall on North Campus, a building of roughly 1,700 square feet.
“It was very small,” he said. “We were very glad to eventually get Tucker Hall, but this is definitely a step up. I think the school can accomplish a lot here.”
