Baylor School of Social Work Celebrates Social Work Month
The Garland School of Social Work will recognize the impact of social workers and their commitment to building stronger communities.
WACO, Texas (March 3, 2025) – March marks National Social Work Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of social workers who play a vital role in creating a compassionate society and dedicate their lives to empowering individuals, families and entire communities.
“Social work is one of the most exciting professions that is growing exponentially in our economy,” said Jon E. Singletary, Ph.D., dean of the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work (GSSW) at Baylor University. “Social workers are in so many places, doing amazing work and trying to make a difference in the lives of people all over.”
This year, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has set the theme as “Social Work: Compassion + Action.” The theme emphasizes social workers' dedication to the field and their proactive efforts to enhance individual and community well-being. By combining the elements of compassion and action, social workers are also reminded that they must prioritize compassion for themselves to support others.
For more than 55 years, Baylor Social Work has provided students with a challenging curriculum and hands-on, professional experience, equipping them with the skills to serve others and enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities. As graduates, they carry this mission forward, becoming culturally responsive and skilled social work professionals prepared to pursue licensure and drive meaningful change in the world.
“We know our students come to us with a deep sense of purpose,” Dean Singletary said. “Our goal is to connect that purpose with the skills they need to make a difference in people's lives.”
The GSSW will celebrate National Social Work Month with a series of events aimed at highlighting the impact of social workers in the community. They will host student and community engagement events on both the GSSW’s downtown campus and on Baylor’s main campus, two events with Author Kat Armas (also celebrating Women’s History Month), features celebrating 25 years of the Master of Social Work degree across social media and culminating in Social Work Advocacy Day in Austin in April with students, faculty and staff.
The GSSW consistently ranks among the top 25% of social work graduate schools in the nation. The school offers three degrees: BSW, MSW, and PhD. With campuses in Waco and online, their impact reaches far and wide. Their dedicated alumni serve communities around the world, and the GSSW community takes great pride in those who have been part of the school—past, present and future.
"Will you help us celebrate this good work?" Singletary asked. "Share your stories on social media and tag the Garland School so we can share as well! Let's collectively shine a light on the social workers in our communities and lift up the lives they touch through the work they do."
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.
ABOUT THE DIANA R. GARLAND SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work is home to one of the leading graduate social work programs in the nation with a research agenda that explores humanity, engages spirituality and promotes equality. Upholding its mission of preparing social workers in a Christian context for worldwide service and leadership, the School offers a baccalaureate degree (BSW); a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree available in Waco or online; three joint-degree options, MSW/MBA, MSW/MDiv and MSW/MTS, through a partnership with Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business and George W. Truett Theological Seminary; and an online Ph.D. program. Visit the School of Social Work website to learn more.