Faculty in the News

Dorothy Van Soest

Farewell to Professor and Dean Emeritus Dorothy Van Soest
Dr. Van Soest’s professional career is a testimony to careful and ethical social work practice and outstanding scholarship. Her most salient contributions to the field have been related to building competence in professional social work practice as it unfolds in a society gripped by the paralyzing effects of oppression that stem from racism, sexism, heterosexism and a host of other tools that marginalize segments of our society and our world.

Her work has gone far beyond documenting the effects of oppression to articulating positive models for teaching about anti-oppressive social work practices. Dr. Van Soest’s commitment to peace and social justice, and their intersection with professional social work practice includes research, writing, teaching and social action. Through her writings and actions she has been a voice of conscience for our professional and for social work educators. Her influenced has touched our clients across the country and internationally.

The UW SSW community finds it fitting, upon her retirement, to honor Dr. Van Soest’s commitment to peace and social justice by requesting support for the School’s program at the Royal University of Phnom Penh in Cambodia, a program Dr. Van Soest has long advocated for.