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James Herbert Williams plans to keep a full schedule that includes editing two books and traveling to Africa once he concludes his four years as director of the Arizona State University School of Social Work this summer.

“Prior to coming to ASU I had several collaborations in eastern and southern Africa, and I would like to reconnect with my African colleagues. I spent the last decade working with tribes in Africa on conflict mediation and sustainable development,” Williams said.

As everyone has focused on longer and more frequent hand-washing during the pandemic, the availability of safe, clean water has never been more important.

That necessity, coupled with the increasing awareness of social justice issues, has highlighted the topic of water equity, which was addressed in a new report by experts at Arizona State University.

The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, the nation’s largest comprehensive public service college, was recognized today with elite rankings for its schools of public affairs and criminology. With highly rated programs in each of its four schools, Watts College presents vivid evidence for the core claim of Arizona State University: excellence and inclusion go hand in hand. Indeed, half of the 14 ASU graduate-degree programs ranked in the top 10 are found in Watts College, ASU’s most diverse unit.

Elizabeth Lightfoot will become the next director of the ASU School of Social Work (SSW) on July 1, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions Dean Jonathan Koppell announced today.

Lightfoot, a University of Minnesota Distinguished Global Professor who has directed UMN’s doctoral program in social work since 2006, has been a member of its faculty since 1999.

The COVID-19 pandemic’s limitations on public gatherings didn’t restrict donor enthusiasm this spring for ASU’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Donors came through with their cash and with their presence in two activities held during one week. One, a day of giving, was designed to show financial support for the college. The other, a first-time event, gave supporters the chance to put their muscles and wallets to work in a 5K run-walk that raised money for charity.

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