SOCIAL WORKS Fall 2026
University of Wyoming
The Division of Social Work Serving Wyoming Offering Programs in both Laramie & UW-Casper sowkmail@uwyo.edu
www.uwyo.edu/socialwork
1-307-766-6112
What’s Inside
Director’s Message
Director’s Message ......................... 1 Coming Full Circle: Jessie Klein Joins the Social Work Faculty ...... 3 Celebrating Our 2025–2026 Award Recipients ........................................ 4 Student Research & Learning Building Research Skills • Mentoring Undergraduate Research • Research in the Classroom ........................................ 6 Student Organizations ASSW • Phi Alpha • AMSW² ............................... 8 From the Field: Student Experiences Community Leadership • Civic Engagement • Practicum & Professional Experiences ............ 11 The Impact of Giving on Student Experiences Conference Participation • Alumni Giving Back • Mentorship ....................... 14 Faculty Scholarship & Engagement Scholarship • Community Engagement • Teaching & Learning ......................................... 17 Looking Forward Study Social Work Abroad in London ............. 22 Giving Day: Be Part of a Social Work Student’s Journey ............. 23 Editorial Credits: Valerie Thompson-Ebanks Photo & Story Coordinator: Lucia Garcia
As we begin another academic year in the University of Wyoming Division of Social Work, it is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the year we have just completed and to look ahead to what is next. Looking back, the past year gave us much to celebrate. We saw continued growth in our programs, strengthened connections with communities and partners across Wyoming, and watched another class of BSW and MSW students (fulland part-time) reach an important milestone by graduating and beginning the next chapter of their professional journeys. We are especially pleased to begin this fall (2026) with enrollment across our programs up by approximately 13%, a sign of continued interest in social work and the many possibilities the profession offers. At a time when students and families are thinking carefully about the value of a college education and where it can lead, social work offers a remarkably versatile range of career pathways. Our graduates pursue careers in behavioral and mental health, healthcare, child welfare and family services, schools, human service agencies, aging services, community organizations, policy, administration, politics, and many other areas of practice. A social work degree also provides a recognized pathway toward professional licensure and prepares graduates for career opportunities in Wyoming, across the country, and internationally. The accomplishments of the past year would not be possible without the many people who believe in and support our students and programs. We are grateful for families who entrust us with the education of their loved ones, and for our donors whose generosity creates opportunities and provides meaningful support for students. We are equally thankful for our field instructors and community partners across Wyoming who share their time, expertise, and organizations with our students and play such an important role in their professional education. I am also grateful to our faculty and staff for the expertise and commitment they bring to our programs. Alongside the broad expertise of our full-time faculty, our part-time faculty bring valuable perspectives from their current practice in the field, further enriching our curriculum and students’ learning across a wide range of areas of social work practice. Together, our faculty help connect classroom learning with the realities of contemporary social work practice. As we celebrate where we are today, we also recognize the history upon which we continue to build. Social work education at the University of Wyoming has a long history, with the program first earning accreditation in 1974. For more than five decades, generations of graduates have taken their education into communities throughout Wyoming and across the country. We are proud to continue building on that legacy. There is also much to look forward to in the year ahead. We are excited about our upcoming study abroad course in London in summer 2027, which will offer students the opportunity to explore social work and social services in an international context. We are also continuing preparations for reaffirmation of accreditation of our BSW and MSW programs, an important opportunity to reflect on our programs, recognize our strengths, and continue strengthening the education we provide. To everyone who contributed to the successes of the past year and who continues to support our students and programs, thank you. We are grateful to have you as part of the University of Wyoming social work community and look forward to another year of learning, growth, and opportunity together. Sincerely,
Valerie Thompson-Ebanks Director and Professor Division of Social Work
Visit Us At UWYO.EDU/SOCIALWORK
Coming Full Circle: Jessie Klein Joins the Social Work Faculty We are pleased to welcome a familiar face back to UW Social Work! Jessie Klein, MSW, LCSW, a 2021 graduate of our social work program, joined the Division of Social Work in February as an Assistant Lecturer and BSW Field Coordinator on the Laramie campus. Jessie brings experience in outpatient mental health, organizational leadership, and community enrichment. His clinical practice draws from narrative theory, solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with particular interest in the role of narrative, perspective, and storytelling in individual and community well-being. His teaching is grounded in active learning and student-centered engagement. We are delighted to have Jessie back at UW Social Work, this time as a member of our faculty!
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Celebrating Our 2025-2026 Award Recipients These awards are especially meaningful because recipients were nominated by their classmates and peers. The recognitions celebrate not only academic achievement, but also leadership, resilience, service, initiative, and the values of social work demonstrated across our classrooms, field settings, and communities.
STUDENT AWARDS BSW & MSW Student of the Year This award recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding growth throughout their time in the social work program and distinguished themselves through their leadership, service, and contributions to the program.
BSW|Laramie Grace Bales
BSW|UW-Casper
Caleigh Grundhoffer
MSW|Laramie
Sage Kilgore
MSW|UW-Casper
Jorja Warembourg
Phoenix Award This special recognition honors students who persevered to graduation despite significant personal challenges or unexpected life circumstances.
BSW|Laramie Miller Slaughter
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BSW|UW-Casper Jayme Grange
MSW|Laramie
Lexi Arp
MSW|UW-Casper Amy Eagle
Exemplary Community Service Award This award recognizes students who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and service on campus, within the social work program, or in the broader community.
BSW|Laramie Nayeli Hernandez-Lopez
BSW|UW-Casper Jennifer Ly
MSW|Laramie
Julianna Pizzato
MSW|UW-Casper Abigail Schaible
Research & Creative Innovation Award This award recognizes students whose research or scholarly projects demonstrate initiative, critical thinking, and a meaningful contribution to social work education or practice.
MSW|Laramie
BSW|Laramie Jace Bohlman
Jordyn Reed
2026 Division of Social Work Excellence in Stewardship Award This award recognizes exceptional leadership and stewardship in strengthening the Division of Social Work community through initiatives that support social work students.
MSW|Laramie Mary Ivanoff
FIELD EDUCATION RECOGNITION Field Instructor of the Year This award recognizes field instructors who have provided outstanding mentorship, supervision, and support to students throughout their field education experience.
BSW|Laramie
BSW|UW-Casper
Lisa Teague
David Allhusen
MSW|Laramie Marlae Needles
MSW|UW-Casper Nicky Harper
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Building Research Skills in the BSW Program Research is an important part of the BSW Program curriculum. During their senior year, students complete two research courses designed to strengthen their ability to understand, evaluate, and apply research to social work practice. Through these courses, students learn how research can inform practice decisions and how questions and experiences that emerge from practice can, in turn, inform research, an important foundation for evidence-based practice. For some students, this learning extends beyond the classroom through opportunities to conduct their own research with the mentorship of social work faculty. The highlights below offer a glimpse into how BSW students engage with research, from developing and applying research skills in the classroom to conducting and presenting their own research.
Mentoring Undergraduate Student Research This past academic year, Assistant Professor Dr. Jordan Dyett had the opportunity to mentor BSW senior Jace Bohlman through his honors thesis. Jace developed a meaningful partnership with his field practicum organization and used that experience as the foundation for a community-engaged research project. After gathering data through a survey, he analyzed the data and, with guidance from his faculty mentor, interpreted the results, shared his findings with community partners, and presented his research at UW Undergraduate Research Day. Reflecting on the experience, Jace shared: “I had the opportunity to conduct a research project with my practicum placement at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wyoming (BBBS) this semester. I developed and conducted a needs assessment for the eight Wyoming branches of BBBS and then created resource guides for the branches’ case managers. This experience provided me with insight into what it takes to gather information about a population to better understand them, their needs, and how to serve them. I am grateful for this opportunity and aim to bring these gained skills with me into my social work practice to help future non-profits I work for continue to develop their programming to better support their clients.” After graduating with honors in May 2026, Jace is now interning in Thailand with an international organization focused on combating human trafficking.
Jace Bohlman presenting his research at UW Undergraduate Research Day, Spring 2026
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Who says research can’t be fun? BSW students work together to code data and identify themes during Dr. Neely Mahapatra’s research class on the Laramie campus.
UW-Laramie BSW Class of 2026
Research in the Classroom: Why Social Work? BSW students are also putting research skills into practice in the classroom. This past spring, students in the UW–Casper BSW research class explored what drew them to social work. With guidance from their social work faculty member, Assistant Professor Dr. Quinn Hafen, students reflected on why they chose the profession and then coded and analyzed their responses to identify common themes. The students are excited to share the following themes that emerged from their project: Social work is about empathy. “It means being compassionate, walking with people, strengthening relationships, and providing comfort and understanding. Social workers identify and address community needs and influence policies and systems to bridge that gap.” Social work is a meaningful career path. “An education in social work builds a broader understanding of systems and how they interrelate. Getting a degree in social work allows us to help individuals through their trauma. Many of us are pursuing social work because we have been through hard times ourselves.” Social work gives us the opportunity to make change. “We want to serve marginalized groups of people who need support and a safe space. By becoming social workers, we can advocate and provide support to make the communities we live in better for everyone.” UW-Casper BSW Class of 2026
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Student Organizations: Leadership & Community Engagement Associated Students of Social Work (ASSW) Across UW–Casper and UW–Laramie, ASSW students in the BSW Program found meaningful ways to connect with one another, serve their communities, and engage with the social work profession throughout the 2025– 2026 academic year. While each campus brought its own activities and partnerships to the year, both reflected the energy and commitment of our social work students.
UW–Casper ASSW has had a busy and productive year. We focused on building partnerships with nonprofit agencies in and around Casper while continuing to support social work students and others interested in the profession. This year, we partnered with the Youth Crisis Center and worked alongside Casper College Social Work students to collect much-needed supplies for the agency. We also collaborated with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) by assisting with their annual Red Wagon Gala and volunteered with the Food Bank of Wyoming to help support community members in need. In addition to our service efforts, we made time to celebrate and connect with our students. Highlights included our annual Halloween party and our Lip Sync event, which provided a fun and memorable send-off for graduating seniors. Written by Brenda Kost, BSW Field Coordinator & ASSW UW-Casper Advisor
UW–Laramie 2025–2026 marked another busy year for the Associated Students of Social Work (ASSW)! They started the year by welcoming the junior class with a potato bar lunch. They held a hygiene product drive at the end of fall semester and donated the items to Family Promise of Albany County. During spring semester, ASSW members distributed Valentines and notes of encouragement for all Laramie BSW students. It was a meaningful gesture for everyone and helped spread positive vibes at a busy time of year! For Social Work Month, ASSW hosted an educational event that brought faculty and students together to share food, tidbits about social work history, and play social work bingo! Written by Billie Chapman, Field Education Director & ASSW Laramie Advisor
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Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work Students Phi Alpha had a successful 2025–2026 academic year! Throughout the year, Phi Alpha students participated in service activities across both campuses. Students gathered in Laramie and Casper to make dog toys for local animal shelters and volunteered with the Food Bank of Wyoming to prepare food boxes for community members across the state. Phi Alpha also organized its second annual guest lecture series in partnership with NASW-WY, bringing students and community professionals together to learn about issues relevant to contemporary social work practice. Presentations explored a range of topics, including professional supervision with Nathan Stahley of NASW Montana; recognizing and responding to human trafficking with Justin Kelly; polyvagal theory and its application to understanding trauma, stress, and regulation with Erin Ford and Heather Mangan; and approaches to holistic wellness with Joanna Cardenas. Together, the series gave students opportunities to learn from practicing professionals and expand their understanding of social work beyond the classroom. Written by Christine Vencill, Assistant Lecturer & Phi Alpha Chapter Advisor
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Student Organizations: Leadership & Community Engagement (cont.) Associated Master of Social Work Students of Wyoming (AMSW2) The Associated Master of Social Work Students of Wyoming (AMSW2) provides opportunities for MSW students to build community, connect around shared interests, and engage in service and advocacy. This past fall, AMSW2 continued its commitment to addressing food insecurity through its annual food drive. The donations supported UW students through the College of Health Sciences Food Share Pantry and the UW Food Pantry, as well as children and their families at Linford Elementary School. AMSW2 also created an opportunity for connection and community within the Division. In partnership with the UW Makerspace, the group hosted a gathering that brought students from across MSW cohorts together with faculty and staff for food, conversation, and craft activities centered on social work values. It was a welcome opportunity to connect outside the classroom, spend time together, and strengthen relationships across the MSW community. We appreciate our AMSW2 students and the ways they contribute to both the UW and Laramie communities through service, connection, and community building. Written by Neely Mahapatra, Professor & AMSW2 Advisor
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From the Field: Student Experiences Kyla Alvey-Community Leadership and Public Service
Kyla Alvey is a social work Senior at the UW- Casper campus. She is passionate about policy, community engagement, and public service. For the past six years, Kyla has served on the Natrona County School District #1 Board of Trustees, where she currently serves as Chair of the Budget Development Committee and is involved with the Board Infrastructure Planning Committee, Natrona County Recreation Joint Powers Board, and Compact Issues Committee. Through these roles, Kyla has been actively engaged in issues that impact children, families, schools, and the broader Natrona County community. She is deeply invested in making Casper a stronger, healthier, and safer community and brings that same commitment to her social work education. Kyla’s dedication to public service, advocacy, and community well-being reflects the values and ethics at the heart of the social work profession.
Robyn Stack-Civic Engagement in Action
Robyn Stack is completing the final year of the BSW program at UWCasper and is especially interested in policy development and civic engagement. This past semester, Robyn worked with Better Wyoming, a nonpartisan organization, to help raise awareness about voting in Wyoming’s primary election. Through her involvement, Robyn worked to educate and engage community members about the importance of participating in the electoral process, becoming informed, and having a voice in decisions that affect their communities. Her work demonstrates how social workers can engage beyond traditional practice settings by strengthening communities and encouraging civic involvement. Robyn’s commitment to community engagement and empowering others reflects important social work values, including service, advocacy, social responsibility, and the belief that individuals and communities should have a meaningful voice in the decisions that impact their lives.
Written by Ray Pacheco, MSW Program Coordinator
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From the Field: Student Experiences (cont.) Field education brings classroom learning to life as students work alongside professionals and communities across Wyoming. We are grateful to the many field agencies and field instructors who support our students’ learning and professional development each year. Below, we highlight one student’s practicum project, followed by a few snapshots of the meaningful experiences our BSW and MSW students are gaining at field agencies across the state.
Student Practicum Spotlight Building a Culture of Support on Campus: Reframing How We Respond to Harm During the development of this project, Jordyn Reed worked closely with Social Work Associate Professor Dr. Sandy Leotti, whose guidance and mentorship supported the project as it developed from ideas explored in the classroom into a training for the campus community. In Jordyn’s words: Throughout my time in the two-year MSW program and in my Graduate Assistantship at the Violence Prevention Center (VPC) on campus, I became very passionate about harm reduction and primary prevention principles. During my second year, I learned more in my classes about how certain systems and practices can sometimes have unintended impacts, including mandatory reporting and state intervention. This led me to think more deeply about mandatory reporting and how training could also emphasize ways to support individuals throughout the reporting process. After doing additional research and learning from experts, I developed a “mandatory supporting” training for Student Affairs. I wanted the training to feel meaningful and engaging while encouraging staff to think carefully about both their reporting responsibilities and how they can support individuals through the process. To me, this work is about helping people build empathy, recognize unhealthy behaviors, help one another, and, most of all, feel empowered as supporters. I believe change often starts with everyday conversations and community accountability. Developing and facilitating these workshops has been one of the most meaningful parts of my graduate experience because it allowed me to combine advocacy, education, and relationship-building in a practical way. I had the opportunity to take what I was learning in my courses, connect it with my work, and translate theory into practice. I’m especially excited that my supervisor at VPC will continue using the training with Student Affairs each year. Jordyn Reed, Recent MSW Alum (2026)
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From the Field: Student Experiences Across Wyoming Our students learn in a wide range of settings and communities. Here are a few reflections that capture what they are learning and experiencing in the field.
Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Outpatient Behavioral Health | Cheyenne Hosting both BSW and MSW students, CRMC provided opportunities in case management, development of policies and procedures for a donation closet, therapy services, community meetings, and networking with community partners. “This practicum placement was wonderful and I had a great time being here! I learned so much!”
Wyoming Office of the Guardian Ad Litem | Casper A Casper BSW student worked with children and families while learning about state policies, legal procedures, and the role of GALs in Wyoming. “I will always value my experience here. I learned so much and I will carry this experience with me as I enter my social work career.”
Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation | Riverton An MSW student worked with people with varying abilities to connect them with employment and occupational services while learning about state Vocational Rehabilitation policies and programs. Together, these experiences reflect the breadth of learning made possible through field education across Wyoming. From left to right: Shyanne Richards, Alum and Field Instructor, Department of Family Services; Hannah Taulealea, BSW ’26; Morgan Jackson, BSW ’26; and Landree Adams, Alum and Field Instructor, Department of Family Services. Written by Billie Chapman, Field Education Director & ASSW Laramie Advisor
From Practicum Learning to Professional Presentation While completing her MSW, Jorja Warembourg , MSW ’26 developed an interest in group work related to social media and technology use. Through her practicum experience and mentorship from Bethany Cutts, who served as both her graduate assistant faculty supervisor and instructor, she further explored the ways social media and technology can affect connection, relationships, and feelings of safety. Their work culminated in Connection, Safety, and Scrolling, presented at the Casper College and Wyoming Counseling Association Wellness Conference. The experience provided an opportunity to take learning developed through coursework, practicum, and mentorship and share it with social work and mental health professionals. Pictured: Bethany Cutts (left) and Jorja Warembourg (right).
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The Impact of Giving on Student Experiences Thanks to the generosity of donors to the Division of Social Work Excellence Fund, BSW and MSW students have opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom through professional conferences and other educational experiences. During the past year, donor support made it possible for 33 students to attend national and statewide conferences, where they learned from professionals in the field, explored emerging areas of practice, and built connections with the broader social work community. We are grateful to our donors for making these opportunities possible. Our students’ reflections offer a glimpse of what these experiences can mean.
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Conference “Attending the CSWE Conference was an incredible experience, and I am so grateful to the generous donors whose scholarship made it possible. Being surrounded by people who share the same passion for social work was both inspiring and energizing. The sessions on grief and somatic work, neurodivergence, and culturally responsive practice taught me valuable lessons that I can carry into my future career as a social worker as well as my personal life. I left feeling more confident in my path, excited about the future of social work, and thankful for the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.”
Caleigh Grundhoffer, BSW ’26 | Current MSW Student and Hannah Taulealea, BSW ‘26. “Hello, my name is Reagan Rockhold, and I, along with 2 of my classmates, attended the CSWE conference in Denver, Colorado, in the fall of 2025. I had so much fun there; not only was I able to talk to social workers who have been in the field for years, but I also connected with people my age who are on the path to earning their master’s in social work or studying for the licensing exam. I was also able to join a community of social workers who are actively working to make international students feel welcome on college campuses. I learned so much and can confidently say that without this experience, I would not be a current master’s student at the university. Through talking with people I met at the conference, I was able to see the value of continuing my education not only to improve myself but also to do more with the degrees I will hold. To attend the conference, I received a scholarship that helped cover the conference fees and hotel room. Without this generous scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to afford this opportunity. It was through the very generous donors to the University of Wyoming that I was able to make meaningful conversations and memories.”
From left to right: Nayeli Hernandez-Lopez (BSW ’26), Reagan Rockhold (BSW ’26 | Current MSW Student), and Ashley Ramon (BSW ’26 | Current MSW Student).
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Annual Wyoming Meth and Substance Use Conference BSW and MSW students also had the opportunity to attend the 22nd Annual Wyoming Meth and Substance Use Conference in October 2025, where they learned alongside professionals from across the state and deepened their understanding of substance use, prevention, treatment, and community responses.
BSW and MSW students attending the 22nd Annual Wyoming Meth and Substance Use Conference. From left to right: Caleigh Grundhoffer, Jenifer Thompson, Veronica Mojica, Katie Bauer, Jordyn Reed, Jenn Ly, and Jaitlyn Pettit.
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Alumni Giving Back: Saddle Up A special thank you to our alumni who volunteered during UW’s recent Saddle Up activities, representing social work and sharing their experiences with incoming first-year students. Several alumni participated in a panel conversation, giving students an opportunity to hear firsthand about social work and the many paths the profession can offer. We are grateful to our alumni for continuing to stay connected, give their time, and help introduce the next generation of students to social work. One of this year’s alum panelists, Linda Trujillo, reflected on the experience, “I had fun this week speaking on a panel representing our UW Social Work Division and CRMC for incoming freshman this year.” She added, “I’m lucky to be a part of such an awesome University.” Thank you to Linda and our alumni working across a broad range of social work settings and practice areas who joined us to welcome our newest students and share in this important milestone.
Ada Mushati
Jezebel Rubis
Bri Montoya
Jessica McComb
Linford Elementary School Children’s Justice Project
Private Practice Vocational Rehabilitation
Linda Trujillo
Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
Celebrating Excellence in Mentorship This past spring, Dr. Neely Mahapatra received the College of Health Sciences Mentor Award. The award recognizes her commitment to mentorship and student support, as well as the meaningful impact she continues to make within the Division of Social Work and the broader College of Health Sciences community. Congratulations, Dr. Mahapatra, on this well-deserved honor!
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Faculty Scholarship & Engagement Our faculty contribute in many ways through scholarship, professional presentations, practice expertise, community engagement, and contributions to social work education. During the 2025–2026 academic year, our small but talented research faculty collectively contributed 11 publications and other scholarly works and delivered 19 presentations, trainings, and invited talks. Their scholarship appeared in a range of respected peer-reviewed journals, including Families in Society, Journal of Social Work Education, Journal of Child and Family Studies, British Journal of Social Work, Social Service Review, and Affilia: Feminist Inquiry in Social Work, among others The highlights below offer just a glimpse of this work, from scholarship and professional presentations to collaborative learning and engagement with communities and partners across Wyoming.
Exploring Harm Reduction Across Wyoming What does harm reduction look like in practice, particularly in communities across Wyoming? Students, professionals, and community members had an opportunity to explore that question during a fall 2025 workshop co-hosted by the Division of Social Work. Representatives from the National Harm Reduction Coalition joined Assistant Professor Dr. Jordan Dyett in facilitating the conversation, bringing together national perspectives, research, and practice experience. Fifty participants took part across the UW–Casper and UW–Laramie campuses and via Zoom, creating an opportunity for learning and conversation across locations.
Interprofessional Education Event Focused on Opioid Use in Wyoming In April of 2026, the College of Health Sciences hosted its annual Interprofessional Education (IPE) Event, bringing together students from across the health disciplines to collaborate and learn about the multifaceted nature of opioid use. For the Division of Social Work, a highlight was the participation of the entire Laramie BSW junior cohort, giving students an opportunity to learn alongside peers from other health disciplines and bring a social work perspective to the conversation. Assistant Professor Dr. Jordan Dyett also contributed to the event as a panelist, drawing on her clinical experience and research related to opioid use. Dr. Jordan Dyett, second from the left, serves as a panelist during the 2026 College of Health Sciences interprofessional education event.
Social Work Junior, Brittany Deniz sharing discussions from her smallgroup case study.
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Faculty Scholarship & Engagement (cont.) Leading Through Change MSW Coordinator Bethany Cutts and BSW Coordinator Christine Vencill, along with Dr. Hugo Da Costa Santos from Organizational Leadership, presented Leading Through Change at the Wyoming Nonprofit Network Conference in Casper. Their collaborative presentation brought social work and organizational leadership perspectives together and provided practical tools for nonprofit professionals navigating organizational change. From left to right: Bethany Cutts, Christine Vencill, and Hugo Santos
Rural Ethics and the Importance of Human Relationships In rural communities, personal and professional worlds often overlap, creating unique ethical considerations for social workers. Billie Chapman, Director of Field Education, was invited by the Sheridan VA Medical Center to lead a discussion on professional boundaries and ethical practice in rural settings.
Building Trauma-Informed Communities
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Trauma-informed approaches can strengthen how professionals and organizations support individuals and families. At the Wyoming 211 Conference, Bethany Cutts presented TraumaInformed Care: The Basics, sharing practical approaches with community partners and professionals from across Wyoming.
Sharing Our Scholarship Nationally Faculty also shared their scholarship at national conferences, including the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD), the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Annual Program Meeting, and the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Annual Conference.
From left to right: Dr. Neely Mahapatra, Dr. Sandy Leotti, Dr. Quinn Hafen, and Dr. Jordan Dyett were among the Division faculty who presented at the Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting.
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Faculty Scholarship & Engagement (cont.) Holding on to Hope This past spring, BSW Director Dr. Karen Drew presented Holding on to Hope: Preparing Social Workers and Students for Uncertain Times at the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD) Annual Conference. Her workshop explored hope as a practical and teachable framework for helping social work students and practitioners navigate times of change and uncertainty, with attention to adaptability, resilience, professional identity, and ethical decisionmaking. Her presentation offered a timely reminder of the role hope can play in helping students and practitioners remain grounded, adaptable, and engaged during uncertain times.
Innovative Approaches to Teaching and Learning Assistant Lecturer and BSW Coordinator, Christine Vencill, participated in the Learning Community for Pedagogies of Innovative Excellence gathering in Casper, where she presented Threading in the Affective Domain: Developing a Practice Professional Through One Semester, highlighting approaches to supporting students’ professional development throughout the learning process.
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Recognition for High-Impact Experiential Education Billie Chapman, Director of Field Education, was nominated for recognition for her leadership in experiential education through the Division’s Field Education program. Working alongside a strong field team and community partners across Wyoming, Billie helps create meaningful practicum experiences that allow students to connect classroom learning with social work practice. Her nomination led to an invitation to participate in the University of Wyoming’s inaugural Experiential Education Showcase and Celebration, where she presented Field Education as Experiential Learning in Social Work. Billie also completed the University of Wyoming Faculty Leadership Institute, reflecting her continued growth and leadership within the Division and University.
From left to right: Billie Chapman and College of Health Sciences Dean Patrick Hardigan.
We are grateful for the many ways our faculty share their expertise, support our students, engage with communities, and contribute to the social work profession. Their collective work continues to enrich our programs and the education we provide.
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Looking Forward Study Social Work Abroad in London International Social Welfare | Summer 2027
London is calling! From May 18–June 2, 2027, students will have the opportunity to spend two intensive weeks exploring the history and development of social welfare in England while experiencing life and learning in London. Experiential learning is at the heart of the program. Students take their learning beyond the classroom through visits to social service agencies, historic sites, community organizations, and places of worship, along with seminars and classroom exchanges. These experiences offer a firsthand look at how history, social policy, economics, and community life have shaped social welfare systems in England and influenced approaches in the United States. Past experiences have included visits to the Southwell Workhouse, Hughenden Manor, The Salvation Army International Heritage Center, Havelock Gurdwara, and community and social service organizations throughout London. Students also experience the neighborhoods, history, and everyday life of one of the world’s most internationally connected cities. The program invites students to consider how historical developments continue to shape contemporary services and how migration, technology, globalization, policy, and changing communities are influencing social welfare today.
Open to students across disciplines Class Dates: May 18 -- June 2, 2027 Interested in learning more? Scan the QR code for details about the course and next steps.
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Giving Day: Be Part of a Social Work Student’s Journey Every social worker begins somewhere. For many of our students, that journey begins right here at the University of Wyoming on our Laramie campus or UW–Casper campus—in the classroom, at a practicum site, and in communities across the state. This Giving Day, we invite our alumni, families, community partners, practicum supervisors, friends, and supporters to be part of their journey. Your gift, no matter the amount, can make a real difference. It can help a student through an unexpected financial need or make it possible to attend conferences, trainings, workshops, and other professional learning opportunities—including help with travel, registration, and related expenses. These experiences can open doors, build confidence, strengthen professional connections, and help students prepare for the work they will do after graduation. One accredited social work program serving Wyoming communities across two locations.
It’s Giving! Help Us Reach 70 Donors October 21-22 | Noon to Noon This Giving Day, our goal is to bring together 70 donors in support of students on our Laramie and UW–Casper campuses.
$5,000 Matching Challenge
Thanks to a generous donor, gifts to the General Social Work Student Success Fund will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $5,000. Give $25, and it becomes $50. Give $50, and it becomes $100. Whether you give $5, $25, $50, or more, every donor counts.
Scan the QR code or use the link below to support the University of Wyoming Division of Social Work on Giving Day. The Giving Day link goes live at noon on October 21, 2026. Will you be one of our 70?
https://give.uwyo.edu/giving-day-2026/?a=1 Every gift matters. Thank you for investing in our students and the future of social work.
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