BPD Emerging Leaders 2010–2016: Identifying and Responding to the Need for New Academic Leadership

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn 2010, the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD) participated in the Social Work Congress in Washington, DC, along with other national social work organizations. In addition to sending selected Board members, BPD sent emerging social work educators to participate in a purposeful effort to ensure leadership continuity. Those selected, the “BPD Emerging Scholars” participated in the Congress and instituted an annual BPD Emerging Leaders Forum. These forums have allowed dozens of early career educators and experienced peers to openly discuss undergraduate social work education’s future, leadership gaps, needs of those seeking leadership, and ways organizations can support these needs. This article presents forum themes and offers a plan to support the next generation of undergraduate social work leaders.