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Welcome from the Dean

Welcome to the Illinois School of Social Work: Your Journey Begins Here

Welcome Message

image of Dean Lough

Greetings and welcome to our vibrant community of social workers. Our school is more than an educational institution; we are a gathering of people driven to making a tangible difference in the world, a community that values action, empathy, and the power of transformative ideas.

Our mission is guided by a vision of an equitable and inclusive society, where individuals, communities, and organizations are empowered to challenge and reshape inequitable systems. As part of this community, you will become an agent of change, using your skills and passion to effect real, positive change.

Our educational approach is holistic, beginning in the classroom and extending into the field for community-immersed learning. Our block placement model is designed to help students excel in their chosen focus area. With a strong track record of successful placements and promising employment prospects for our graduates, our mission is not only to impart knowledge but also to prepare students for the realities of the professional world, whether in advanced clinical practice or as leaders for social change.

We recently celebrated our 75th Anniversary. As one of the oldest and (top 25) ranked schools of social work in the country, our students work alongside many of the leading minds in the field on groundbreaking projects and research. Our esteemed faculty and alumni embody our school’s mission and values, serving as inspirational figures in our community. We are proud of their contributions!

I invite you to explore our website further and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn more about our school. We are thrilled to accompany you on your journey!

I look forward to seeing all that you will achieve.

Warm regards,

Ben Lough
Professor and Dean

image of Dean Lough
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