Grand View Social Work Faculty Attend National Conference, Celebrate Faculty Scholarship

November 9, 2026

Four Grand View University Social Work faculty members attended the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) 72nd Annual Conference, held October 22-25 in Atlanta.

The conference, themed “Rooted in Resilience: Honoring the Past, Grounding the Present,” brought together social work educators and professionals to share research, explore current issues and discuss the future of social work education and practice.

Faculty members in attendance included BSW faculty member Megan Thibodeau and MSW faculty members Gerd'Anice Noel, Dr. La'Toya Edwards and Dr. Samantha Williams.

The conference also provided an opportunity to celebrate faculty scholarship. Dr. La'Toya Edwards completed a chapter in a new book published by Cognella, which was released and celebrated during the conference.

Edwards' chapter, “Leading with Equity: Afrocentric Healing and DEI-Centered Leadership in Child Welfare,” appears in Advancing Equity in Anti-racist Child Welfare: Navigating the Intersection of Policy, Practice and Research, edited by B.D. Smith and C.C. Gilliam.

The chapter explores equity-centered leadership and the importance of Afrocentric healing and diversity, equity and inclusion in child welfare.