As UNC Wilmington receives recognition for its affordable, accredited Masters of Social Work Program, the School of Social Work also recognizes and names a new director, Dr. Stacy Kolomer, who plans to expand the program as well as implement some new ideas.

UNCW’s new director Kolomer has been part of the faculty since 2012 and has been serving as the school’s interim director since July of 2015, giving her the opportunity to learn more about the position’s roles and responsibilities. 

Kolomer also has a Master’s of Science in social work from Columbia University, a PhD from the University of Albany and had real world experience in the field of social work. For example, prior to becoming a faculty member at various universities, Kolomer focused her research and field work on caregiving families, specifically grandparents raising children and injured family members. 

As Kolomer prepares for the director’s position, she plans on implementing some new ideas into the social work program, including growing the graduate program, increasing global opportunities for the students and faculty, and engaging students in planning for the future.  

Although there will be new plans for the School of Social Work’s future, there are plenty of aspects of the program that Kolomer attributed to running well. 

The experienced faculty members, the focus on critical studies, the innovative instruction and the well respected reputation in the community all work together to make UNCW’s social work program one of the best, according to Kolomer. 

One of the school’s most recent accomplishments is being ranked tenth among the best masters of social work programs on the east coast.

Kolomer did not seem surprised about the recognition and further advocates for more accessible higher education.

“We are proud of this recognition and hope for a time when all schools can be affordable to students seeking an education,” said Kolomer. “As a society, we need to invest more in affordable and accessible higher education.” 

Kolomer’s attraction to UNCW was built on the ever growing programs and leadership, and she appreciated how the university truly promotes and emphasizes that “inter-professional collaboration is the smartest way to educate future health professionals.” 

As the new director, Kolomer understands that nothing tough is accomplished on one’s own. Everyone in the school “functions as a team and we succeed at it because of the hard working faculty, students and community partners,” said Kolomer. 

With an understanding of the field of social work as a real world practice as well as two degrees in the study and a passion for expanding the program, Kolomer hopes to work with members of her department and alongside students to improve upon the School of Social Work as well as the build up the newfound notoriety of the department.