By Jaelon Jackson
School of Social Work
PhD Program Director, Dr. Rachel Voth Schrag
The Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) recognized the PhD in Social Work program director in the University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Social Work with one of its highest honors.
Dr. Rachel Voth Schrag, an associate professor in UTA’s School of Social Work, has been named a 2025 SSWR Fellow, a designation awarded to a small group of members each year for their significant contributions to the organization and the field of social work research.
“Induction into the SSWR Fellows recognizes significant contributions to the Society for Social Work & Research and is offered each year to a small percentage of the SSWR membership,” said Dean of the School of Social Work, Dr. Kirk Foster.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Voth Schrag into this group, recognizing the many ways she has served SSWR and the academy. Her contributions have shaped and continue to shape social work science.”
Dr. Voth Schrag, who specializes in gender-based violence research, has been actively involved with SSWR for 15 years. Her work has focused on producing high-quality scholarship while mentoring emerging scholars. Reflecting on the honor, she emphasized the significance of this recognition.
“For me, it feels like a recognition of the research work I have done over the past 15 years, as well as the ways that I have contributed through mentoring others—particularly supporting our group of gender-based violence social work scholars and other emerging scholars,” she said.
“It is an honor that requires both high-quality, consistent scholarship over time and ongoing service to others and our field, both of which I value in my work.”
Becoming an SSWR Fellow involves meeting rigorous standards, including earning points for submitting research abstracts, peer reviewing, and serving in mentorship and leadership roles. While the designation does not come with specific duties, it acknowledges past achievements and encourages ongoing excellence in research and service.
Dr. Voth Schrag also expressed joy at being honored alongside Dr. Leila Wood, her longtime collaborator and friend from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
“We both felt like being honored in the same year spoke to the way that we have collaborated and supported each other as we have built our research careers,” she said. “So, the first thing I did was text her.”
Dr. Voth Schrag’s recognition as an SSWR Fellow reflects her enduring impact on social work research and her dedication to advancing knowledge and mentorship within the field. Her contributions bring distinction to UTA’s School of Social Work and underscore the school’s commitment to academic excellence and service.
