As we deploy a new strategic plan for the School of Social Work, I am reminded of the remarkable history of our school, which was established by House Bill 1750 in 1961 as a way to address child welfare workforce needs of the state. Today, we remain committed in partnership to the needs of our communities with exemplary faculty, staff, and students engaged in research, teaching, and service across our academic units, the Regional Research Institute, and the Center for Improvement of Child and Family Services.
Since our inception we have sought to develop, promote, and engage students in intellectual growth while building upon our professional code of ethics as a way to serve and learn from each other. Together we envision and lead a school that can meet the challenges of tomorrow while recognizing those we face today. Our students, as those from the past, come to us with diverse lived experiences ready to embrace diverse worldviews and new skills that build upon their existing cultural and individual strengths.
Our diversity in thought, race, gender, ethnicity, orientation, age, and ability allows us the opportunity to constructively analyze and deconstruct social norms and social racism while seeking equitable and just ways to address some of the greatest challenges facing our communities, nation, and globe. It is this strength of ideas and ideals that allow us to remain a prosperous school with an ethos nested in academic and research excellence. We are stronger and better today because of our diversity.
The pages of our 2022 Annual Report provide a glimpse of our impact. You can access a digital version of that document as a PDF here. The testimonies of faculty and students in our annual report are a reflection of our commitment and dedication to our communities while reminding us of our past, present, and future. Together, we build a stronger community, centered on authenticity, respect, and valuing our differences.
Please join me in finding hope, optimism, and pride in the annual report's pages to uplift and embrace our institutional motto Let Knowledge Serve the City. Thank you for your commitment to the School of Social Work, Portland State University, and our community partners as we transform lives through exceptional education that unleashes untold possibilities worldwide.
Jose E. Coll
Dean and Professor
School of Social Work
Portland State University