Associate Professor Abigail (Abby) M. Ross, LICSW, MPH, PhD, has been named faculty director of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2), effective July 1, 2026.
Dedicated to preparing the next generation of social work leaders, SP2’s Master of Social Work program empowers students to become empathic, informed, and effective practitioners in a rapidly changing world. Through a rigorous curriculum, diverse practicum placements, and a deep commitment to social good, the program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to drive meaningful change across communities and systems.
Dr. Ross is an applied researcher whose work focuses on advancing evidence-based practice and improving outcomes for youth and families across healthcare and social service systems. Her research integrates clinical intervention development, prevention, and implementation science, with a particular emphasis on youth suicide prevention, mental health, and interprofessional team-based care.
Her program of research is organized around several priorities, including developing and implementing preventive interventions for youth and families; expanding the reach and effectiveness of evidence-based practices across health systems; leveraging technology to identify and address unmet social needs; and strengthening the role of social work in delivering high-quality, team-based care within health systems. Her work has been supported by numerous federal agencies and national foundations, including the National Institute of Mental Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
In addition to her role at SP2, Dr. Ross holds a secondary appointment in the Department of Psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine. She brings more than 15 years of clinical practice experience across healthcare settings and has extensive training in family-based interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and suicide risk assessment and treatment.
“I am honored to assume the role of faculty director of the MSW program and to build upon the extraordinary foundation established by Dr. Malitta Engstrom and generations of SP2 faculty,” says Dr. Ross. “Social workers are uniquely positioned to improve lives by advancing social justice and social good, strengthening systems, and translating evidence into practice. I look forward to working collaboratively with our faculty, students, alumni, and community partners to prepare the next generation of social work leaders to address society’s most vexing challenges and create lasting, systemic change that promotes health and well-being for all.”
Dr. Ross succeeds Professor Malitta Engstrom, who has served as MSW faculty director since 2020. During her tenure, Dr. Engstrom guided the program through a period of significant growth and innovation, including the successful transition to and from online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, the expansion of practicum partnerships, and the development of new program offerings.
She also led the program through a successful reaccreditation process, strengthened student-centered supports, and secured federal funding to expand training in substance use-related practice. Dr. Engstrom’s leadership has helped position the MSW program for continued excellence and impact.
“Dr. Ross brings exceptional expertise, leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing the MSW program in ways that prepare students to meet the evolving needs of individuals, families, and communities,” says SP2 Dean Dr. Sara S. Bachman. “Her scholarship and clinical experience, combined with her focus on evidence-based practice, make her uniquely suited to guide the program’s continued growth and impact. I am also deeply grateful to Dr. Engstrom for her outstanding leadership and service, which have strengthened the MSW program and positioned it for continued excellence.”