At The University of Iowa School of Social Work, our community mourns the loss of Clinical Assistant Professor Sharaine Webster. Sharaine was a dedicated social worker, educator, and advocate. Her passion for helping others shaped every aspect of her life and the lives of everyone with whom she worked.
Sharaine Webster’s social work journey includes the University of Iowa, where she earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2012. Even then, she stood out for her compassion, drive, and commitment to equity, qualities that would define her career and inspire students and clients.
After completing her Master of Social Work from the University of New England in 2015, Sharaine Webster devoted herself to supporting individuals and families. She approached her work with deep empathy and a belief in the power of human connection. Whether she was guiding someone through addiction recovery, helping families rebuild relationships, or offering a listening ear in moments of crisis, Webster brought an unwavering sense of purpose to every interaction. Starting in 2021, she opened her private practice, Serenity Counseling LLC.
Her expertise spanned dual diagnosis treatment, substance use recovery, trauma counseling, and human sexuality and health, areas she approached with both academic rigor and heartfelt compassion. She had a unique gift for meeting people where they were, helping them uncover strength in their vulnerability.
As an educator and clinical assistant professor in the School of Social Work, Webster extended her impact to the classroom. Her students describe her as an inspiring mentor, someone who brought real-world experience, authenticity, and warmth to her teaching.
“I remember meeting Sharaine during her undergraduate years at Iowa. I was impressed by her leadership skills from such a young age and how naturally people looked to her for direction,” said Sara Sanders, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and professor in the School of Social Work. “In her professional career, Sharaine continued to lead—making an impact on the clients she served and the students she taught. People will reflect on her guidance for decades to come.”
Her colleagues also remember her as a passionate professional whose work and spirit transcended boundaries.
“Our relationship began many years ago when she enrolled in one of my classes,” said Motier Haskins, associate professor of instruction in the School of Social Work. “With a career rooted in service, Sharaine dedicated herself to addressing systemic inequities and improving the lives of marginalized populations. She consistently brought empathy, cultural competence, and an unshakable sense of justice to every role she held.”
Beyond her teaching and counseling, Webster contributed her expertise and energy to the social work profession through her work with the Iowa Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and the Iowa Board of Certification. Earlier this year, she proudly shared her first publication in an academic journal, the Journal of Black Sexuality and Relationships, titled Letter to the Editor: Focusing on Sex, Health, and Wellness for Black and Brown Communities in Overlooked Spaces—An Opportunity for Change. Through her writing, she sought to elevate underrepresented voices and create space for meaningful dialogue around sexual health, identity, and wellness in marginalized communities.
Webster’s dedication to the field of social work was matched only by her compassion for the people she served. She believed deeply in community, in helping others find healing and hope, and in creating a more understanding world. Her legacy lives on in the students she taught, the clients she supported, and the many lives she touched along the way.