In 1997, Dr. Diana Garland joined Baylor as chair of the social work department and grew the program until she eventually became the founding dean of Baylor’s School of Social Work. Now, the Garland School of Social Work carries on her legacy by name and spirit.
In coming to Baylor, Diana brought a deep conviction that faith enhanced the social work profession from her years at the Carver School of Church Social Work in Kentucky. The connections to the field of social work date back to 1904 when W. O. Carver, the school’s namesake, first began teaching on “Practical Work,” which eventually became known as “social work.” Just as Jesus committed his life to serving others, W. O. Carver challenged social work and seminary students to be professional helpers, serving as Jesus did.
After the closing of the Carver School, Diana and colleagues from Carver developed curriculum for Baylor Social Work, threading the 100-year history of the Carver School into Baylor’s rich heritage and ongoing legacy.
To celebrate this legacy, Darla Bailey, a Carver alumna, has pledged to match up to $25,000 in gifts to the W. O. Carver Endowed Fund, which will support practical application, faculty research and social work students committed to ethically integrating faith and practice. Help us reach this goal by making a gift today.
To make a gift, click on the link above. Then be sure to share on social media using #BaylorGives to encourage your friends and classmates to make their gift as well during Baylor Giving Day!
**If you would like to make a gift to this fund before Baylor Giving Day, click here to do so. Your gift made early will be added to our totals when the Giving Day starts!**
