NASW Press announced that Robert L. Hawkins, PhD, MA, MPA, is the new editor in chief of the Social Work Research journal. Hawkins is associate dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs at North Carolina State University College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and professor in the School of Social Work at NC State,
Q&A with Robert Hawkins
What inspired you to serve as the new editor in chief of Social Work Research?
Originally, I really struggled with whether or not I wanted to take on the editor in chief position, but only because I had recently transitioned out of my former position at the Silver School at New York University and started my new role at North Carolina State. I was now a college-level associate dean overseeing 19 programs. It felt like a big job, and I was unsure about adding even more responsibility.
But I did want to have an impact on the field of social work and be a part of the ever-growing research world that makes up the profession. I had spent the bulk of my professional career in social work. It is a profession that I care a great deal about, and taking on this responsibility was a way for me to give back to the profession.
Why is the Social Work Research journal important for social workers?
Our journal really thrives to highlight the best, most thoughtful, and relevant research in social work.
Within the pages of Social Work Research, you can find a wide range of inquiry that advances social work practice, theory and
research. You can see how every aspect of social work relates to other fields, from psychology to public health, to sociology to political science and other areas.
What are your aspirations as the new editor in chief?
I want to expand our international reach, both in publications and readership. We already have several researchers who review for the journal around the globe, and it is my hope to build that base and to publish more research that is relevant to that audience as well. I also want to publish more pieces from social work scholars collaborating with those from other fields.