In Memoriam: Rutgers School of Social Work Mourns the Passing of Professor Emerita Isabel Wolock
The Rutgers School of Social Work community is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Professor Emerita Isabel Wolock, who died on May 30, 2025, at the age of 97 in Metuchen, New Jersey. A revered scholar, mentor, and colleague, Dr. Wolock leaves behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to social work education and a profound impact on generations of students and faculty.
Dr. Wolock’s distinguished academic journey began at Skidmore College and continued at Rutgers University, where she earned her Ph.D. and went on to serve as a professor and Ph.D. program director at Rutgers School of Social Work. Over more than three decades on the faculty, she conducted vital research on children and families, helping to shape and advance the field of social work.
Following her retirement from Rutgers, Dr. Wolock continued her lifelong dedication to education, serving as a doctoral student advisor at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University in New York City. Even in retirement, her work ethic remained formidable—devoting herself fully to the success of her students.
“I met Isabel when I became dean of Rutgers School of Social Work, and she was a regular member of the retired faculty lunch group,” said Distinguished Professor Cathryn Potter. “She was retired, however, she was still working actively with social work doctoral students at Yeshiva, devoting the equivalent of a full-time job to that work. Isabel’s keen wit and genuine, focused nature was much appreciated. It was an honor to have the opportunity to learn from her.”
Dr. Wolock was especially known for her devotion to mentoring doctoral students. Professor Allison Zippay reflected on her legacy: “Isabel had a reputation for her devotion to mentoring doctoral students. She listened and guided and fastened on the rigor of the methods. Students expressed great appreciation for her commitment, time, and approach.”
Dawn Apgar, PhD, LSW, ACSW, Associate Professor and Director of the BSW Program at Seton Hall University, shared a personal tribute: “Dr. Isabel Wolock was a rare combination of intellectual rigor, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment to social work education. As a former PhD student advisee, I remember her as someone who truly saw her students—who challenged us to think deeply and do our best work. She was brilliant at calming the fears of doctoral students who were embarking on qualitative research for the first time. She ran skills labs in quantitative analyses that actually made research fun! Her mentorship shaped the direction of my career and the spirit with which I practice social work. Her legacy will live on in every student she taught and every life they touch.”
In honor of her life and contributions, the Rutgers flag in front of the Old Queens Building in New Brunswick will be lowered to half-staff on October 6 and 7, 2025.
Dr. Isabel Wolock’s enduring influence on social work education, her students, and her colleagues is immeasurable. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched through her scholarship, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to justice and learning.
