Leading AI Transformation in Social Work Education: A Framework for Higher Ed Leadership

Panelist(s)

Ruopeng An, PhD, MPP

Constance and Martin Silver Endowed Professor in Data Science and Prevention
New York University
ML

Michael A. Lindsey, PhD, MSW, MPH

Dean and Paulette Goddard Professor of Social Work
Silver School of Social Work, New York University
DP

Desmond U. Patton, PhD, MSW

Brian and Randi Schwartz University Professor and Director, SAFELab
School of Social Policy and Practice, Annenberg School of Communication, University of Pennsylvania

Moderator(s)

Amanda S. Ritchie, MAA (she/her/hers)

Director of Center Operations
Silver School of Social Work, New York University

Building on a forthcoming leadership playbook for creating AI-ready institutions, this panel explores a structured framework for integrating AI responsibly in social work education. Panelists will share strategies rooted in design thinking, disability justice, and culturally informed AI—ensuring technology advances social work values rather than undermining them.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:

Introduce a Multi-Step Leadership Framework: Present a phased approach for AI adoption—from readiness audits to pilot programs—aligned with social work’s mission (Presenter One, forthcoming; Presenters One & Two, forthcoming).
Emphasize Culturally Responsive and Disability-Inclusive AI: Illustrate the role of design justice (Johnson & Davis, 2024; Presenter Three et al., 2018) to address bias and promote accessibility.
Highlight Strategic Pilots and Best Practices: Provide examples of AI solutions, including predictive analytics, while accounting for cultural nuance, disability accommodations, and human oversight (Presenter Three et al., 2020).