February 2025 Dean's Note

One of my favorite aspects of being a dean is the opportunity to learn about and meet GSSW’s remarkable alumni and former faculty and staff. Hearing their ideas and learning of their impact is a constant source of inspiration. I believe that after reading this issue you too will feel inspired.

One of those inspiring alumni is the late Mr. Youlon D. Savage, MSW ’64, a dear friend to GSSW who passed away in December at age 96. Although I hadn’t yet had the pleasure of meeting him, I feel I have come to know Mr. Savage through his impact at GSSW, including through the long-time endowed scholarship that bears his name. I think that you will also feel inspired as you read about his life of service in this issue.

You will also read about the legacy of GSSW Dean Emeritus James Herbert Williams, who reflects on his accomplishments at DU and beyond. He has served as a personal source of inspiration to me as I have progressed through my career. I initially met Dean Emeritus Williams when I was deciding which doctoral program to attend. His research had a significant overlap with my own interests, so I was quite familiar with his scholarship and had long admired him. It is quite amazing to me that it has been over 20 years since our first introduction, and I am now following in his footsteps as dean here at GSSW. I hope you will take a few minutes to catch up with this remarkable scholar, educator, mentor and administrator. Be sure to also read about GSSW’s Social Work and Social Justice in South Africa course. This unique course was introduced 10 years ago during Dean Williams’ tenure.

This past January was the 29th Society for Social Work & Research Annual Conference. This meeting provides an opportunity for our faculty and students to share their research and engage with colleagues who attend from around the world. This year, three GSSW professors were honored: Rachel Forbes, Marquisha Lawrence Scott, and Heather Taussig. I’m pleased that we can share their news with you and take pride in knowing they are simply an example of our faculty, who are consistently leaders in our profession.

Finally, I’m excited to share news of a generous new gift from longtime University of Denver supporters Beth and Dan Whittemore. Like Youlon Savage, they are deeply committed to providing educational opportunities to students who may not otherwise have them. Their gift will provide scholarship support for Native American MSW students at GSSW. We are grateful for their visionary philanthropy, and indeed, to all those who share their time, knowledge and financial support to advance GSSW’s mission and vision to create a more just world.

Henrika McCoy, MSW, MJ, PhD
Milton Morris Endowed Dean of Social Work and Professor