April 20, 2009
Social Work Research Conference

Conference organizers Rene Drum, Ph.D. of Southern Adventist University and Edith Fraser, Ph.D. Oakwood University.

The first Adventist Social Work Research Conference was held on Oakwood’s campus March 26-29, 2009 .  The conference was co-sponsored by the Social Work Departments of Oakwood University (OU) and Southern Adventist University (SAU), in conjunction with the International Association of Adventist Social Workers. This event provided an opportunity for faculty, students and practitioners to present original research under the theme “Addressing the ‘Forgotten’ Gospel Commission: Social Workers to the Rescue.” The presentations addressed the variety of ways social workers can address the needs of oppressed and vulnerable populations who attend the church. Additional workshops explored social services as tool for evangelism in the church. There were a variety of presenters from the following institutions: Alabama A & M, Andrews University, Columbia Union College (CUC), Loma Linda University, OU and SAU. During each segment of the program, student presenters had the opportunity to share original research in an atmosphere of academic inquiry and thought.

The conference began with a plenary session and thoughts from Dr. Ed Lamb, retired professor at SAU. It ended with a panel discussion led by Dr. Stanley Gellineau, retired professor from Walla Walla and Adjunct professor in the OU social work program. Dr. Edith Fraser (OU) and Dr. Renee Drumm (SAU) were the primary organizers of the conference. Faculty and students at the respective organizations supported these two professors. Sabbath was a real blessing with music by Oakwood students, a skit by students from Southern, sermon from Dr. Ann-Marie Jones class of ’95 and professor at Andrews University, and a poem and musical interpretation by Dr. Vicki Jackson of Loma Linda.  Organizers intend to hold the conference annually; in 2010, the group plans to meet next year on the campus of CUC. The theme and date for this event will be announced.