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The University of Utah College of Social Work

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The University of Utah College of Social Work

The University of Utah College of Social Work is dedicated to providing outstanding education and tr

Established in 1937, the University of Utah College of Social Work is one of the oldest and most respected educational centers for social workers in the Intermountain West, admirably demonstrating the University’s commitment to education, research, and service.

09/23/2026

This week, we’re celebrating our field instructors, students, and our practicum faculty and staff with Practicum Appreciation Week! 🎉

We are grateful for this year’s 226 active practicum sites where our BSW and MSW students are putting their classroom work into practice. 👏 Often called social work’s “signature pedagogy,” practicum plays a critical role in the educational experience of social workers—and it wouldn’t be possible without the many individuals who dedicate time and energy into supporting the next generation of professionals.

📸 and show us your practicum placement using !

🔗 Use the link in the comments to check out the week’s events to join us for treats, prizes, and learning! 🍪

Pictured: (back row, left to right) Bacall Hincks, Laura Van Hook, Tamber Snarr-Beesley, Sumiko Anderson, (front row, left to right) Sonya Martinez-Ortiz, Diane Buck, Yvette Romero Coronado, and Ellie Goldberg

08/25/2026

Like so many others throughout our community, the College of Social Work grieves the recent passing of our MSW alum, colleague, and longtime donor Debra Daniels, who passed away on August 14. A passionate social worker and educator, she was deeply invested in paving the way for future generations of allies, advocates, and activists. Over the course of her 70 years, she meaningfully influenced countless lives, including those of many of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

Learn more about Deb's legacy of uplifting others on our blog (link in comments).

07/10/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Meeyoung Min, our Belle S. Spafford Endowed Chair, for her promotion to the rank of full professor! “This milestone represents the highest level of academic achievement and is a testament to Dr. Min’s outstanding contributions to our university. Promotion to professor is reserved for faculty who have built a sustained, distinguished body of work,” explained Dean Philip Osteen.

Dr. Min’s research focuses on the developmental outcomes of prenatally substance-exposed children and their mothers. Her work has significant implications for the profession of social work, as it addresses critical issues around children and families. It is similarly impactful in the discipline of public health in its evaluation and development of interventions. In addition to her scholarly impact, Dr. Min has demonstrated unwavering excellence in teaching, mentoring, and University service.

Congratulations, Dr. Min! 🎉

07/08/2026

📢 Paid Research Study | Please Share 📢

Assistant Professor Yitong Xin (pictured) wants to learn how young adults make sense of identity change and personal transformation. Have your beliefs, values, or worldview changed in a meaningful way—especially following a powerful or transformative experience such as a psychedelic journey, spiritual awakening, or major life shift? If so, we want to hear your story!

You may qualify if you:
✔️ Are 18–29 years old,
✔️ Were raised in a rigid religious, cultural, or ideological belief system,
✔️ Are questioning, conflicted with, or have left that belief system, and
✔️ Live or attend school in Salt Lake County, Utah County, or Weber County

Paid Participation:
🎤 Interview (60-90 min) – $30
📝 Online Survey (20-30 min) – $20

Participation is voluntary and confidential.
🔗 Interested? Click the link in the comments for more information!

06/30/2026

Please join us in congratulating social work PhD candidate Finau Rabuka-Conklin on successfully passing her dissertation proposal! Her research will use the framework of Racial Battle Fatigue (RBF), developed by Dr. William Smith, distinguished professor at the U, to examine historical trauma and mental health among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations. As one of the first applications of this theory to this population, this work represents an exciting milestone that will help shape future research and theory in this area.

“From her teaching to her research to her service engagement, Finau has always been deeply committed to improving mental health and well-being for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders. Her dissertation has the capacity to deeply influence practices, whether it be training or mental health supports, for these communities in a way that centers historical and present-day experiences,” reported her committee chair, Dr. Alysse Loomis.

Congratulations, Finau!

06/26/2026

Social work PhD candidate Denae Cook has successfully passed her dissertation proposal, “Examining Poverty Bias in Child Welfare Reunification Decisions: A Multi-Method Study”!

Dr. Brad Lundahl, her dissertation chair, noted, “Denae is studying a very important aspect of child welfare—how poverty and neglect interact in decisions related to a child entering or exiting the child welfare system. Poverty is not a crime and does not disqualify a person from having and raising children. However, there is evidence that child welfare workers— while well-intended—can confuse poverty with neglect, which can lead to children being removed inappropriately from their families. We expect that her research will support understanding in this area and promote better decision making for child welfare workers."

Congratulations, Denae!

06/18/2026

Next Thursday, June 25, Dr. Karen Fredriksen Goldsen (UW School of Social Work) will deliver our inaugural lecture of the new Bruce Bastian Honorary Speaker Series on Human Rights, “From Crisis to Courage: Advancing Human Rights, Health, and Belonging Across the Life Course.”

Use the link in the comments for details and to register for this FREE online event (1.5 CEUs)!

06/10/2026

📢 Paid Research Opportunity for College Students

Are you a current college student age 18 or older?

Researchers are seeking participants for a paid focus group to better understand how college students respond when a friend or peer shares experiences related to dating or sexual violence and suicidal thoughts.

Your insights can help improve support, prevention, and intervention efforts for college students.

✅ Must be 18 years or older
✅ Currently enrolled in college
✅ Eligible participants will be invited to a paid focus group

🔗 Click the link in the comments below to complete a brief eligibility survey.

***If you or a loved one are experiencing emotional distress, please reach out to call/text/chat with caring counselors at the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. Free, one-on-one support is available 24 hours a day, every day.***

05/22/2026

Please join us in congratulating PhD candidate Myra Garcia on the successful defense of her doctoral dissertation!

In her dissertation, “Navigating Intra-group Colorism: A Qualitative Study on Distress, Coping, and Resistance among Afro and Indigenous Latine,” Garcia examined the harms of skin-tone-based discrimination while highlighting the resilience, resistance, and cultural strengths that individuals and communities draw on to protect their sense of identity, dignity, and belonging.

Dr. Brad Lundahl, her dissertation chair, noted, “Dr. Garcia’s work contributes to a growing body of literature on the impact of colorism, with particular attention to the insidious ways messages about the relationship between skin color and human value are transmitted. Recognizing these patterns is critical, especially because they can be disrupted. Importantly, Dr. Garcia sought information about how within-group messages are countered and resisted by Afro and Indigenous Latine individuals—supporting hope that future generations will not extend the long reach of racism.”

Congratulations to our newly minted Dr. Garcia!

05/19/2026

Not royalty? Then be sure to apply for a social work scholarship before the May 31 deadline!💲

Click the link in the comments below to apply for a BSW, MSW, or Social Work PhD scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Address

395 S 1500 E
Salt Lake City, UT
84112

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18015816192

Website

http://socialwork.utah.edu/

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