New SSW Director Feted at Downtown St. Paul Event

Faculty and staff joined friends and family in officially welcoming Dr. Joan Blakey as head of the School of Social Work. The event, held on Wednesday, October 12, in downtown St. Paul, featured a live performance by the LoveWorks Academy of Performing and Visual Arts-majorettes. The evening was catered by Soul Bowl Minnesota.

Ashley Aguy, of CASCW, led the organizing committee’s efforts.

Outgoing Field Director, MJ Gilbert, emceed the event which included remarks from Associate Dean Dr. Tabitha Grier-Reed, Regent James Farnsworth, Dr. Priscilla Gibson, Zer Vang, Malaika Eben, and Dr. Glenda Dewberry-Rooney.

An alumna of the School, Dr. Blakey’s PhD is from the University of Chicago.