Social Work Department

Students participate in NWU's poverty simulation in February of 2026.

Published

March 9, 2026

Unless you’ve lived in poverty, it’s nearly impossible to understand the day-to-day challenges that come with it.

And while a simulation inside Nebraska Wesleyan University’s Knight Fieldhouse can’t replicate what happens in real life, it still gives NWU students a stark look at the issues many families in poverty face every day.

Faculty and Staff

Social Work Department

Cavel named 2024-2025 Faculty Mentor of the Year

Published

December 4, 2024

Kara Cavel, associate professor of social work, has been named the 2024-2025 Faculty Mentor of the Year.

The honor recognizes faculty who dedicate their time and expertise to mentoring their colleagues, fostering professional growth, and enhancing the teaching and service environment on campus.

Communication Studies Department

History Department

Political Science Department

Psychology Department

Sociology and Anthropology Department

Social Work Department

Peace Corps Director inspires NWU students to serve during Curtis Lecture on Public Leadership

Carol Spahn, director of the US Peace Corps, gives remarks at podium.

Published

September 26, 2024

The director of the United States Peace Corps recently issued Nebraska Wesleyan University students to challenge boundaries: geographic and personal.

Carol Spahn said stepping outside of comfort zones helps promote transformational, lasting change through service. “I can't imagine anything more powerful to do than serve,” she said.

Social Work Department

From the West Coast to the Midwest: How one MSW student will graduate to pursue her dream

Published

May 1, 2024

After trading the big city vibes of Los Angeles for the serene landscapes of Nebraska, Tina Hurd (MSW ’24) found herself at a crossroads in 2015.

“I was starting a new chapter in my life, and I thought where do I want to go and what do I want to do?”

Social Work Department

NWU student finds fulfillment through Greek life, volunteerism

NWU's Angelina Orent ('27) volunteers at Tabitha GracePoint.

Published

March 25, 2024

Nebraska Wesleyan University sophomore Angelina Orent (’27) says she has an unwavering dedication to serving her community and campus.

“I believe in the power of service to bring positive change into the world,” says the social work major from Omaha, Neb.

Social Work Department

NWU’s MSW program receives accreditation

Social Work Program Director Toni Jensen in the front of a classroom teaching.

Published

March 18, 2024

Nebraska Wesleyan University’s Master of Social Work program has been awarded accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

The accreditation indicates NWU’s program meets or exceeds standards of quality through a peer review accreditation process.

Social Work Department

Transformation: Corey Allmendinger's journey in mental health and corrections

Published

February 28, 2024

Corey Allmendinger (’24) is an example of what taking advantage of a second chance looks like.

Social Work Department

Rae Sallae

Master of Business Administration

NWU grad student, refugee inspired to change American justice system

Published

January 4, 2024

Rae Sallae was very young when she knew she wanted to pursue the American Dream.

Social Work Department

Social work professor named Faculty Mentor of the Year

Published

November 15, 2022

Nebraska Wesleyan social work professor was recognized at the November faculty meeting for her work in mentoring and assisting her peers.

Social Work Department

New Master of Social Work program gets to work

Published

October 19, 2021

After years of planning and development, Nebraska Wesleyan University launched its new Master of Social Work program in Lincoln this fall.

Social Work Department

Social Work Student Finds Impactful Practicum Experiences During COVID-19

Published

March 25, 2021

“No matter what is happening in the world, our job is still essential. We will always have people who need our help.”

Social Work Department

Social Work Professor Wins Exemplary Teacher Award

Kara Cavel, Exemplary Teacher of the Year

Published

December 1, 2020

“Professor Kara Cavel’s commitment to anti-racist practices is helping to push us all to create a more inclusive classroom environment where the voices of all have a place in instruction,” say her colleagues in the Department of Social Work.

Social Work Department

Graduate and Adult Students

NWU to Launch Lincoln’s Only Master of Social Work Degree

Published

September 10, 2020

Nebraska Wesleyan University will expand its graduate program offerings next fall with the area’s only Master of Social Work degree.

Social Work Department

Class of 2020 Grad Honored for Courageous Journey from Zimbabwe to NWU

Tecla Nyamakope, Dean B. Stewart award winner

Published

July 31, 2020

It’s been four years since Tecla Nyamakope and her two children immigrated to the United States from Zimbabwe.

Modern Languages Department

Social Work Department

Gender Studies Department

Global Studies

Gilman Scholarship Sends Two Students to Rwanda

Published

June 3, 2019

Two Nebraska Wesleyan University students are studying in Rwanda this summer thanks to a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.

Social Work Department

Faculty Scholarship Presentation Addresses Student-Athlete Grief

Lisa Borchardt, Faculty Scholarship Presentation Award Recipient

Published

January 22, 2019

The court, the field, the track, the mat, the pool — these are the places where student-athletes often feel the most alive. When dealing with the death of someone dear to them, student-athletes often turn to these same places for a sense of normalcy.

Social Work Department

Inmate Outreach Earns Professor “Love of Neighbor” Award

James Perry has been honored for his work with an inmate outreach program

Published

March 6, 2017

Nine years ago, Associate Professor of Professional Studies James Perry started a book club bringing NWU students together with Nebraska State Penitentiary inmates.

Social Work Department

Screening of “Sober Indian, Dangerous Indian” Returns to NWU

The documentary will be screened at NWU on Friday, Feb. 3.

Published

January 27, 2017

Nebraska Wesleyan University will screen the documentary “Sober Indian, Dangerous Indian” on Friday, February 3.

Social Work Department

Students Travel to Flint, Michigan to Explore Water Crisis

Sophomores Michaela Wells and Laurel Withee

Published

November 18, 2016

Sophomores Michaela Wells and Laurel Withee recognized Earth Week last April by attending at lecture about the Flint, Michigan water crisis. Little did they know a 60-minute lecture would lead them to an 11-hour drive.

Current Undergraduates

Political Science Department

Social Work Department

NWU Students Help Produce Presidential Debate Questions

Published

September 26, 2016

Two Nebraska Wesleyan University students will be watching the presidential debates ever so closely.

Not only because they feel college students should be civically engaged, but the questions asked of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will likely have some familiarity.

Social Work Department

NWU Senior Finds Calling From Indian Reservation Experience

Published

March 17, 2016

Nebraska Wesleyan University student Emily Clement uncovered her passion for Native American heritage early. So it was only natural for her to spend her college years pursuing that interest even further.

Gender Studies Department

Alumni and Friends

Social Work Department

Alums Implement Program to Empower Middle School Students

Published

August 5, 2015

During her senior year at Nebraska Wesleyan, Brune and her classmate Alex Langley ('14) developed the Young Women's Circles Program (YWCP) in an effort to bring together middle school girls.

Admitted students

Academics

Undergraduate Admissions

Social Work Department

NWU Senior Wins National Social Work Scholarship

Published

November 14, 2012

A Nebraska Wesleyan social work student has been awarded a national scholarship honoring her service, scholarship and leadership in her academic field.