2024-2025 Year in Review: Faculty News

Amina Hussain, holding her degree, and Micheal Shier pose for a photo infant of FIFSW's step-and-repeat.

Professor Micheal Shier (right) and PhD graduate Amina Hussain at the Fall 2024 convocation reception. Dr. Shier was promoted to the rank of full professor in 2024. Dr. Hussain is now an Assistant Professor at King’s School of Social Work at Western University.

Faye Mishna retires after 26 years — but her service continues

Professor Faye Mishna stands beside a window, smiling with arms crossed

After 26 years of teaching, research and leadership at the University of Toronto, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (FIFSW) professor and former dean Faye Mishna is retiring from her academic role.

But she is not stepping away entirely. Her research on technology usage and effects among youth continues, while she also takes on a new position as U of T’s next ombudsperson, beginning July 1.

“I’m really committed to the University and feel lucky to be in a place I love so much,” she says. “I felt like I was ready to retire, but I still wanted to be involved.”

Mishna is proud of FIFSW’s excellence in teaching evidence-based social work geared to the needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities. She also takes pride in FIFSW’s support for faculty, whose ongoing collaboration in teaching, research, and leadership enables them to make a greater difference, locally and globally, within the field of social work and beyond.

“As Dean, Faye articulated a visionary model for FIFSW— one in which research and practice are inextricably linked, each informing and elevating the other. This approach has become the hallmark of our Faculty,” says Professor Charmaine Williams, FIFSW’s current dean. “Her commitment to recruiting outstanding faculty, dedicated not only to scholarship but also to building meaningful partnerships with community organizations, has been instrumental in shaping our Faculty’s reputation for excellence.”

Read our full story on Faye Mishna’s legacy of collaboration and impact.

New faces in administrative leadership

FIFSW is welcoming three outstanding colleagues into new leadership roles, effective July 1, 2025.

Associate Dean, Research: Professor Ramona Alaggia

Professor Alaggia brings scholarly excellence and a strong record of leadership to the role that will greatly benefit our community.

Director of the PhD Program: Professor Stephanie Begun

Associate Professor Stephanie Begun’s commitment to graduate education and student mentorship will be a tremendous asset as she leads the program forward.

Associate Dean, Academic: Professor Micheal Shier

Professor Micheal Shier’s dedication to student support and academic excellence will continue to strengthen us as a Faculty.

MSW Program Director: Keith Adamson

Associate Professor, Teaching Stream Keith Adamson will bring great energy to this role, including a compelling vision for MSW Education and a strong commitment to student experience and engagement.

Thank you to our outgoing (and outstanding) leaders

composite: Rupaleem Bhuyan, David Brennan, Eunjung Lee

Thank you to Professors Rupaleem Bhuyan, David Brennan, and Eunjung Lee who filled the roles of PhD Director; Associate Dean, Research; and Associate Dean, Academic, respectively. Their dedication to these roles has strengthened and expanded FIFSW’s programs and research. We are very grateful for their commitment to and support for our faculty and students.

Faculty promotions

compilation of headshots: Lin Fang, Micheal Shier, Tanya Sharpe, Tara Black, Jia Xue

Lin Fang and Micheal Shier were promoted to the rank of full Professor, effective July 1, 2024. Tanya Sharpe was promoted to the rank of full Professor and Jia Xue and Tara Black were promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, effective July 1, 2025.

In Memorium: Dr. Benjamin Schlesinger, Professor Emeritus

Ben Schlesinger sitting at a desk holding a pen over a thick open book and smiling with shelves of books behind him. Black and White photo from 1973. — *Photo of Dr. Ben Schlesinger, 1973, by Reg Innell/Toronto Star via Getty Images*

Dr. Benjamin Schlesinger, Professor Emeritus at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, passed away on July 10. Dr. Schlesinger was a distinguished scholar, educator, and author whose work profoundly shaped the field of social work in Canada and beyond. Over his illustrious career, he authored or edited 25 books and published more than 250 articles. Among his many publications are Poverty in Canada and the United States, The Multi-Problem Family, The Family Squeeze: Surviving the Sandwich Generation, Abuse of the Elderly, and The Jewish Family. Dr. Schlesinger’s commitment to advancing knowledge and supporting families has left a lasting legacy in the academic and social work communities.

Remembering Kalonde Malama

Kalonde Malama — a rising star in HIV research who completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social work from 2021 to 2023 — passed away last week, on April 17th.

During his time at FIFSW, Malama worked closely with Professor Carmen Logie and the SSHINE Lab (Stigma and Sexual Health Interventions to Nurture Empowerment), an interdisciplinary community-based research team that examines the social factors that shape global sexual and reproductive health and rights. In August 2024, he joined McGill University’s Ingram School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor focused on sexual health equity within Black populations.