Dean Mary McKay on Poverty Systems: What's Working in Our Community

The Brown School for Social Work, Social Policy and Public Health at Washington University hosted lunch for Forum members on Nov. 20 to hear from Dean McKay regarding how the school is executing on its vision: “Creating positive social change through path-breaking research and educational excellence.”

Dean McKay shared some examples of Brown School programs leading to positive social change here in St. Louis: 

  • Health Equity Works Director Dr. Jason Purnell’s and colleagues’ research on health equity and the social determinants (“root causes”) of health—what social, cultural, and economic factors influence health behaviors and health outcomes and how communities can be mobilized to reduce health inequity 
  • A social work/education joint Brown master’s degree (MSW/MAED) that embeds graduates in the public-school system, helping them become school leaders and helping students’ families develop family/school partnerships
  • Working with St. Louis City and County governments as partners to develop policy solutions
  • Dr. Sean Joe’s work to reduce obstacles young African American men face in completing their education by helping them find employment, heal from traumatic early childhood experience and make our community safer as a result.

Over 50% of The Brown School’s graduates remain in St. Louis to help deliver on two of three strategic plan goals of the University’s new Chancellor, Andrew Martin:

  • Increase Washington University’s relationship with the broader St. Louis community
  • Help low-income youth attend Washington University tuition-free