Hello,

I have been an Associate Professor in GovState’s Social Work Department where I am the Coordinator of the Undergraduate Social Work Program and have taught undergraduate and graduate courses for over 18 years. With this experience in mind, I want to share with you a little about myself as well as the experience of being a student in the Social Work Program.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in political science and minor in social work from Valparaiso University and my master’s and Doctorate in Social Work from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at The University of Illinois at Chicago. Before joining GovState, I served 12 years as a Clinical Manager at Gary Community Mental Health Center, in my hometown of Gary, Indiana; was Department Chair of Social Work at Valparaiso University for 12 years; was a part time lecturer and field liaison at The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration and have served as a Clinical Consultant with the Veterans Administration for over 30 years.

I also have over 40 years as a licensed clinical social worker and am a certified trauma practitioner. In my private practice, I provide behavioral health care services, clinical supervision, and have conducted many professional trainings for behavioral healthcare workers. I was a recipient (2001-2004) of the Council on Social Work Education/SAMSHA Minority Fellowship—which provides mentoring and financial support for doctoral students of color. I was subsequently selected to serve on the Advisory Board of the Minority Fellowship Program.

During my time at GovState, I’ve developed 3 courses (BSW/MSW) on trauma informed practice and an undergraduate course that focuses on professional development. I have served on numerous university committees and partnered with students on several initiatives focusing on veterans, trauma, and the impact of mass incarceration. One of my most impactful initiatives has been the development of Generating Hope, a student organization at GSU that advocates and supports those impacted by mass incarceration. I utilize a relational approach in my work and view education as a transformative process that promotes self-efficacy, raises critical consciousness, and stresses social responsibility. I am extremely proud of the opportunity to teach and mentor future social workers.

What can a new student to the Governors State Social Work program expect?

New students can expect to be welcomed into our social work community! We strive to make sure that students feel connected and engaged. New students meet with the Program Coordinator to make sure they have a good understanding of their chosen major e.g. what is social work, explaining the curriculum, making sure they have access to GSU resources, developing their Plan of Study, being able to assist in the transition to a new academic environment. In addition, new students participate in a New Student Orientation so they can meet their peers and other faculty, to build a support network and meet current students who have leadership positions in department clubs, university initiatives e.g. international travel, social justice initiative, etc. This orientation has been provided on campus and is also available as a virtual option.

Faculty mentor students, assist and work with students in developing campus wide programming on relevant social issues e.g. community violence, trauma, impact of mass incarceration, etc. We have a strong and dedicated Alumni Community that we partner with as guest speakers in various classes, as internship sites for current students and as mentors for current students.

The Undergraduate Social Work Program at Governors State University provides a vibrant learning community, that engages adult learners for social work practice in a variety of settings and with diverse populations. Our goal is to build on your strengths and prepare you to make a difference in an ever-changing world in social justice-oriented social work practice with individuals, families, organizations, and communities.

The Bachelor of Social Work Program at GovState reflects a richly diverse student population with age, race/ethnicity, gender, community identification, and socio-economic status. A large majority of our students are working as well as managing the demands of family. We work with students to develop a Plan of Study that maps out the completion of academic requirements, but that also considers the context of their lives.

Our program emphasizes social justice, critical thinking, reflective practice, experiential and service learning, advocacy, self-care, professional development, and leadership, as well as providing collaborative learning opportunities between community practitioners/constituents and students. These opportunities take the form of guest speakers, forums, symposiums, visits to communities, events, and more.

The Social Work program has a well-established history of student involvement in the community, at GSU, and in the Social Work Department, through service and leadership by developing and involvement in student organizations (e.g. The Gay Straight Alliance, Veterans Resource Center, International Student Organization, Generating Hope, and Student Senate).

• • Social Work students founded Generating Hope, a student organization grounded in the belief that education is a human right that should be accessible to everyone—a belief supported by data that shows higher education significantly decreases recidivism and transform the lives of those who have been formerly incarcerated.
• • The Social Work Student Organization (SWSO) has been instrumental in coordinating an annual Social Work Advocacy Day in Springfield, and raising funds for global and domestic communities (e.g. Haiti, Flint, Michigan, etc.)
• • The social work honor society Phi Alpha not only recognizes academic excellence but also has spearheaded community service projects.
• • Under faculty leadership, social work students have the opportunity for study abroad and service-learning opportunities in locations such as Ghana, Inuab, South Argentine, Nicaragua and Panama.

I can’t wait to meet you.

Best,

Lorri Glass Phd, LCSW