Interested in the faculty members behind our programs? Get to know them through our faculty spotlight.
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Sarah Collins
Dr. Sarah Collins has been at Concordia since 2017. She has served as the bachelor’s in social work director, and currently serves as the master’s in social work director. Throughout her time here at Concordia, Collins has impacted her students and the Concordia community in her role as an associate professor as well. Learn more about Dr. Collins by reading her responses below.
Why did you choose Concordia?
When I came to Concordia, I was looking forward to working at a faith-based institution. Also, I was very excited about the Interprofessional Education (IPE) program. My dissertation looks at how important it is for social work education to infuse interprofessional education. Social workers often work on interprofessional teams, and it’s an exciting opportunity for students to have this exposure prior to entering the workforce. Concordia is a leader when it comes to our IPE program.
What do you love about Concordia?
I love that Concordia is a family. It’s still relatively small, which means that students have opportunities to partner with professors on academic endeavors. Concordia has been exceptionally supportive of our social work program, and this has allowed us to grow in beautiful ways. For example, we have established a travel study to Austria. Also, we’ve started an international lecture series with partners from Germany. Overall, I love that CUWAA is a campus where people know each other. Students in the social work program have the opportunity to really know their professors.
What are your goals for your program?
My goals include continuing to diversify and strengthen our learning opportunities, and to stimulate and challenge the growth of our students in body, mind, and spirit. Specifically, I’d like to expand international opportunities for our students.
What’s the one key lesson that you hope students take away from working with you?
Learning is lifelong, especially when it comes to social work. It is imperative that students understand that growth, as a social worker, is also a lifelong process. Learning about totality of self is equally as important as learning about theory, skills, and application. As a result, students will take away the knowledge and skills that prepare them to work in MSW-level positions from this learning experience.
What’s your education and career background?
I earned my Doctor of Social Work degree from the University of St. Thomas. My research interests include human trafficking, interprofessional education and practice, and international social work. I’m also interested in child advocacy, youth and technology, refugee settlement, and social welfare policy.
What are some of your career highlights/accomplishments?
I’ve had the honor and privilege to work with people from around the world. Through these experiences, I’ve learned more about myself through my work with others. I planned an international human trafficking conference in Ecuador and lived in Ecuador while working on the issue of human trafficking. I’m proud of an international lecture series I created with professors from Germany. Lastly, I’ve had the opportunity to work with students and watch them grow into wonderful social workers.
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to spend time with my family and friends hiking, camping, cooking, and planning exciting adventures.
Why should students study your program?
We’re innovative and flexible, especially with our online program, which can accommodate working professionals. We’re a Christian university, and we have exciting faculty who are deeply connected to the Milwaukee community as well as the international community. The social work program is deeply connected to the Milwaukee area through coursework, field placements, faculty engagement and projects, and volunteer opportunities.
Do you want to know more?
If you’re interested in learning more about life at Concordia University Wisconsin, visit us here.
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