The Boston College School of Social Work will host a meeting of Black Administrators, Researchers, and Scholars (BARS) in social work on June 17, an event that will promote mentoring roles for social work faculty, administrators, and students in various stages of their careers.

The meeting will begin at 8:45 a.m. in Gasson 100 with a welcome from BCSSW Dean Alberto Godenzi, followed by an introduction to and overview of BARS by Donahue and DiFelice Professor Ruth McRoy—who invited BARS on behalf of the school—and University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work Dean Larry Davis.

Donahue and DiFelice Professor Ruth McRoy
Donahue and DiFelice Professor Ruth McRoy

McRoy and Davis also will speak as part of a morning presentation at which black administrators, faculty, and researchers/scholars share their experiences and observations.

A highlight of the meeting will be a keynote address, “Conversation on Lessons Learned in Academia,” by Paula Allen-Meares, professor and former chancellor at the University of Illinois-Chicago.

The event also will include small-group discussions on topics such as securing a faculty position, promotion and tenure, obtaining research funding, teaching tips, and higher education administration, and a look at social work education and research organizations like the Council on Social Work Education and Society for Social Work and Research.

An evening reception will be held at the Boston College Club on June 16 to welcome the BARS attendees.


—News & Public Affairs