University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work

What if buildings could talk? What stories would Craig Hall, home of the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW), tell? I think it would speak of tireless champions for social justice, echoing with the voices of students and faculty dedicated to positive change. The University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work has been a cornerstone of social work education in the Rocky Mountain region since its establishment in 1931. It’s the oldest graduate school of its kind in the region, a testament to its enduring commitment to social change. The University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work began as a collaborative effort. The University of Denver’s Department of Allied Social Services partnered with community agencies. These included the Community Chest and the Denver chapter of the American Association of Social Workers. This partnership speaks to the school’s deep roots within the community it serves. The GSSW holds continuous accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education since 1933, a mark of its consistently high educational standards. The school has consistently pushed boundaries. In 1968, the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work launched one of the first doctoral programs in social work. This pioneering spirit continued into the 21st century with the 2006 founding of the Institute for Human Animal Connection. This innovative institute was the first of its kind within a school of social work. Think about the inspiring figures who have led the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. Emil M. Sunley, affectionately known as “Sun,” served as the first dean from 1947 to 1971, shaping the school’s formative years. Everne McCummings made history as the first person of color and the first African American to serve as dean at the University of Denver when she led the GSSW from 1978 to 1985. The University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work has also earned accolades for its excellence. In 2024, it ranked 12th out of 319 social work schools in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. The University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work continues its mission of educating social work leaders who strive for a more equitable world. As you stand before Craig Hall, imagine the ripple effect of positive change that has emanated from these halls for almost a century. The legacy continues.