Dear Readers,
Welcome to the fall 2025 issue of Applied Learning in Social Work Education. This fall, I’m reflecting on both change and continuity: We’re settling in to our new name (ALSWE), and also marking a transition in our podcast, The Conversation. Our founding host, Katharine Dill, PhD, of Marist College, is stepping back to devote more time to her leadership role as MSW program director. We are grateful to Dr. Dill for her vision in creating the podcast and for curating thoughtful, engaging dialogues.
We’re excited to announce that our editor-in-chief, Amy Skeen, PhD, is our new podcast host. In this issue, Dr. Skeen interviews Marina Badillo-Diaz on the emerging role of artificial intelligence in social work education. Their discussion underscores both the promise of AI as a tool for strengthening teaching and learning, and the need to remain vigilant about its ethical and equity implications.
As educators and practitioners, our attention is also on the national political moment in which we are immersed. Executive orders, policy changes, and current social conflict have direct consequences for the communities we serve and the programs we lead. ALSWE encourages our readers to use our “Notes and Reports” section as a platform to share how your programs are responding to these challenges. NASW reminds us that advocacy is not optional. As stated on the NASW website, “Advocacy and the pursuit of social justice are not an option for us. They are obligations deeply rooted in the foundations of our profession and in our Code of Ethics.” For resources and ideas, NASW offers concrete ways to get involved.
We look forward to continuing our connection with our readers, contributors, reviewers, and the entire social work community. Stay in touch and enjoy the fall issue.
Suzanne Sankar, MSW
Executive Editor
Applied Learning in Social Work Education