For Immediate Release
Center for Social Development, Social Policy Institute
Announce Strategic Integration
ST. LOUIS, MO, January 6, 2025. The Center for Social Development (CSD) and the Social Policy Institute (SPI) at Washington University in St. Louis today announced a strategic integration to create a renewed CSD. The new CSD will have expanded leadership, a broader research agenda and greater potential for policy and program impacts. The start of this integration is a key step in the broader beginning of a new era of leadership and excellence in social development and policy at Washington University’s Brown School. Recognizing a range of social and economic challenges, the emerging center will seek to advance a new social contract in the United States and globally.
Shared Strengths and New Opportunities
CSD is a national and global leader in designing and testing social innovations aimed at developing inclusive, effective and sustainable policies and programs that broaden well-being and opportunities for individuals, families and communities.
SPI excels in translating evidence-informed policy solutions across sectors, fostering partnerships with nonprofits, think tanks, private-sector companies, government agencies and policy leaders.
Together, CSD and SPI will pursue a robust research and policy agenda that promotes positive social development in family financial well-being, community engagement, health, housing and education.
Leadership Council and Strategic Direction
A Leadership Council of faculty and staff selected from each center will guide the integration process and ensure alignment in mission and objectives. The renewed center will continue to focus on clear goals and project success.
Dorian Traube, the Neidorff Family and Centene Corporation Dean and Professor of the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, stated, “This integration represents an incredible strategic alignment and amplification of our resources and expertise, enabling the Brown School to continue to lead in social development and policy. This joining furthers our shared commitment to an inclusive and innovative environment that serves our community and advances social justice.”
“There could not be a more exciting way to mark the 30th Anniversary of the Center for Social Development than CSD and SPI coming together to further our shared vision and goals,” said Michael Sherraden, the Geoge Warren Brown Distinguished University Professor at Washington University and CSD’s founding director. “This new partnership enhances our capabilities and strengthens our commitment to excellence in applied research and real-world impacts. Together, we will continue to address challenging social issues and inform meaningful change.”
“This new partnership enhances our capabilities and strengthens our commitment to excellence in applied research and real-world impacts. Together, we will continue to address challenging social issues and inform meaningful change.”
Michael Sherraden, CSD Founding Director
“The SPI team is thrilled about the potential of the CSD-SPI merger,” said Stephen Roll, assistant professor in the Brown School, formerly co-director of SPI, and now CSD’s co-director of research and policy innovation. “Both organizations share a passion for using research to advance social and economic mobility, and have a great track record of promoting evidence-driven policy change. Working together, CSD and SPI have the opportunity to make an even greater impact in the years to come.”
“This is a great opportunity to build something new and impactful together at the intersection of policy and social development,” said Jason Jabbari, assistant professor in the Brown School, formerly co-director of SPI, and now CSD’s director of Community Engagement. “A new social contract requires a deep commitment to leveraging community expertise to develop innovative solutions to tackle stubborn social problems. We’re excited to join forces in this endeavor!”
Next Steps
As the integration moves forward, the leadership of the renewed CSD welcomes the start of this new era for social development and policy at the Brown School. A celebration marking the new Center will occur in the near future.
media Contact
Chris Leiker
Communications Manager
Center for Social Development
314-935-6268
cleiker@wustl.edu