JSU professor appointed to Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education by CSWE

August 21, 2019

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LATOYA-BYLINE

 

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Dr. Belinda Davis Smith is an associate professor in the School of Social Work.
Dr. Belinda Davis Smith is an associate professor in the School of Social Work.

Dr. Belinda Davis Smith has been appointed to the Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education is a council of the Commission on Diversity and Social and Economic Justice.

“It is indeed an honor and I feel tremendous gratitude to be a part of such an esteemed group of women in social work education,” says Smith.

The Council is responsible for the development of educational resources relevant to women’s issues within social work education. It also works to eliminate all procedures within academia that hinder the full participation of women, makes recommendations to the board on all matters of policy, and initiates and coordinates programs and activities related to women in social work education.

“I see my appointment as an opportunity to represent JSU’s School of Social Work on a national platform addressing issues that impact women in social work education,” says Smith.”The African proverb and also my personal mantra espouses, ‘I am because we are, and because we are, therefore, I am’.”

She continued, “Our intent at JSU, is to prepare our students to work with children, youth, and families that include women and not uncommonly families headed by women.”

Members of the Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education are charged with the following functions:

  1. To carry major responsibility for the Council’s development of curriculum materials related to women’s issues in social work education.
  2. To identify procedures within academe and social work education which impede and promote full participation of women.
  3. To recommend to the Board policy statements, or development or modification on internal policy.
  4. To assist in coordinating activities related to women at all levels of social work education.
  5. To stimulate new programs and activities.

“Hopefully, my appointment will positively effectuate change that will impact women in social work education and the population we serve,” says Smith.