Johannes John-Langba (Joint MPH/ PhD 2004), Professor of Social Work and Founding Director of the College of Humanities Doctoral Academy at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in South Africa
I am married to Dr. Vivian Nasaka John-Langba and we have two kids; Mukeh Lemiayan and Musu Naserian Hawa.
Where do you call home today?
Durban, South Africa
Who inspires you in your work?
My wife and kids and my life-long mentor, Dr Lawrence E. Gary (Professor Emeritus , Howard University, School of Social Work)
What is your biggest professional accomplishment?
Being recognised by the United Nations among the Global Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent ( MIPAD) in 2023
How has the social work education you received at Pitt helped you in your career?
The PITT social work education prepared me to be the courageous academic leader that I am; who is transforming social work practice, policy, research, and education on the African continent. In particular, the ethos of the PITT Social Work Doctoral training was instrumental in me being appointed to serve as the Founding Director of the College of Humanities Doctoral Academy at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.
What is the most significant thing you learned at the Pitt SSW?
Courage in academic leadership, engaged scholarship and the ethos of an inclusive academic environment
What motivated you to pursue a degree in social work?
The motivation to pursue a degree in social work stemmed from my experience working as a residential counsellor in various group homes for adults and kids with developmental disabilities in the State of Maryland in the mid-1990s
What's your favorite memory of the Pitt SSW?
My favorite memory of the Pitt SSW was the love and support I received from Faculty and my fellow doctoral students during the loss of my mother at the end of the first semester in the doctoral program. It gave me the strength and courage to continue with my doctoral studies in the second semester.
How much do you rely upon your Pitt SSW network in your work today?
I regularly call upon my Pitt SSW network particularly my PhD cohort who are currently residing in the US, Canada, Botswana and Tanzania to collaborate on projects. We most recently collaborated on a multi-country research project on the psychosocial dimensions of the COVID-19 pandemic among university students in five African countries.
What advice would you have for young Pitt SSW alumni?
I would advice young Pitt SSW alumni to maintain their Pitt SSW network connections as these are crucial for both personal and professional endeavours. My journey thus far has been shaped tremendously by the connections I made while at Pitt.