Letters

We are gratified that U.S. News & World Report, based on a methodology, ranked us as the No. 1 School of Social Work in the nation for 15 consecutive years. Now ranked in the second spot, we are pleased to still be regarded as a member of the top ranks of schools of social work and the highest ranked school of social work in a public university.

The strengths of the U-M School of Social Work lie in our students, faculty, alumni and staff. Along with our excellent MSW program stands our premier joint doctoral program in social work and social science, which created a unique model 50 years ago and remains the only program of its kind.

Our faculty and their research are great strengths of our school. The faculty produce highly cited journal articles and are quoted on a variety of subjects in major newspapers, such as the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit News, Newsweek, the New York Times, USA Today, U.S. News & World Report and the Wall Street Journal. Along with receiving national awards and appointments, the faculty are fellows at many organizations.

We know that our graduates are among the leaders and the best. Lily Davidson is one example of a recent dynamo alumna. Since graduating in 2005, she has become senior manager for communications at Women Work! The National Network for Women's Employment in Washington, D.C. A 2006 graduate, Charles Lea, is a policy analyst for Social Policy Research in Oakland, California, where he serves on workforce and youth development projects. Puja Malhotra, who also graduated in 2006, is working as a geriatric social worker and serves on the board of directors for a volunteer program in New York City.

Rankings typically go up and down, but our commitment to excellence stands firm.

—Paula Allen-Meares, dean, and Norma Radin Collegiate Professor of Social Work and professor of education, School of Social Work

The University Record welcomes letters from members of the University community. Those on topics of broad University interest will be given preference for publication. Letters should be no more than 500 words and must be signed. The editorial staff reserves the right to reject any letter and to edit and/or condense letters for publication. The staff also reserves the right to limit the number of letters submitted by the same individual. Letters may appear in small type. Organizations submitting material must include the name and address of an appropriate officer. Letters must be received by noon Wednesday to receive consideration for publication in the next issue.