Concordia University Wisconsin alumna shares her personal and professional journey after completing her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW).
“Remember who you are. Don’t compromise for anyone, for any reason. You are a child of the Almighty God. Live that truth.” This quote by Lysa TerKeurst, speaker and author of Christian non-fiction, sets the tone for an inspiring story of redemption and purpose in the midst of struggle.
CUW alumna Jensen Hurley (’24) is a powerful example of resilience. A survivor of domestic violence and substance use disorder (SUD), she has transformed her life with courage and faith. Since graduating in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in social work, she has worked full-time as a shelter manager at Advocates of Ozaukee.
Courage for today, hope for tomorrow
“I remember there was a time when I was first getting sober, and I was really struggling,” Jensen says. “I thought, Can I do this? I don’t know if I can. I just prayed—and felt relief. I definitely leaned on my faith to get through that.”
After getting sober in 2020, Jensen decided to pursue higher education with the unwavering support of her parents. Her mom—her best friend—stayed by her side every step of the way, and neither parent ever gave up on her.
God is good and “slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love…” (Numbers 14:18)
Rising from the ashes
Jensen worked while earning her degree, inspired by the flexibility she had seen in her mom’s human resources program at CUW. Guided by her “dearly held values and beliefs,” she chose social work.
“It was phenomenal,” Jensen says. “I was able to work full time with special needs adults and complete my program.” Most importantly, she says, CUW’s support never left her feeling alone.
“From the moment Jensen entered the BSW program, I knew she would succeed,” says Nichole Ostrowski, BSW program director. “She carried a spirit of resilience and determination that was evident from our first conversation.”
Now, as a shelter manager, Jensen loves watching people heal. “They don’t even realize how strong they are or that they’re doing the work. Then all of a sudden, months go by … it’s awesome to see them grow and build that connection.”
Kari Klatt, BSW program field coordinator and clinical assistant professor, worked closely with Jensen as an undergrad, witnessing her academic work and interactions with peers. “She serves others with genuine empathy and understanding, and she conveys an unwavering belief that change and growth are possible.”
Both Ostrowski and Klatt agree that Jensen is authentic and that her lived experiences have positioned her to make a meaningful impact in social work. As Ostrowski puts it, “Jensen doesn’t just understand struggle; she transforms it into purpose—and that’s what makes her an extraordinary social worker.”
Full circle
Today, as a CUW alumna and graduate student, Jensen is building a secure future for herself while supporting others in crisis—something that resonates deeply with her past.
“They’re all frazzled, and seeing them like that is really hard,” she says. “But when I go to them, I actually enjoy taking their mind off it, making a connection, and following up with support.”
Jensen is pursuing her MSW at Concordia while completing her field placement at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Ozaukee. There, she works in intensive outpatient care with adults struggling with mental health and addiction.
“One thing you’ll quickly realize are the deep connections between social work and Christian faith,” Jensen says. “There are many parallels between what Jesus calls us to do and what social work calls us to do.”
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. If you’re passionate about helping others, social work could be the career for you. Concordia’s Bachelor of Social Work program combines rigorous academic training with hands-on field experience and a Christian worldview. Students even have the option to complete their BSW and Master of Social Work (MSW) in just five years. Learn more about CUW’s social work program, or connect with BSW Program Director Nichole Ostrowski at Nichole.Ostrowski@cuw.edu.