Front row - Matt Ringenberg, Barb Crumpacker Niedner, Danny Lackey Back row - Barbara Gaebel-Morgan, Emily Hollingsworth, Lynn Shimala

Teaching and mentoring are the primary foci of the Valparaiso University Department of Social Work. All 14 program objectives (which we actively use to judge our program) are student-oriented. The faculty are committed to pushing students to excellence. Early in the admission process we explain to new students what we expect of them, how we will hold them to high standards, and how we will walk with them through each step, supporting them in the process.

Barb Crumpacker Niedner and Barbara Gaebel-Morgan have extensive professional practice experience that they draw upon to guide students through exploration of their own communication skills, strengths, and practice challenges. Matt Ringenberg is involved in a variety of evaluation, research, and consultation activities. He brings this ongoing experience to the classroom and also offers opportunities for students to participate as research assistants as the work allows. Danny Lackey teaches part-time. His full time position as the Diversity Coordinator for the Merrillville Community Schools reflects both his expertise and passion which he brings to the classroom. Lynn Shimala holds everything together; coordinating events, supervising student assistants, and serving as the institutional (and sometimes personal) memory for the rest of us.

We also want to express our extreme gratitude to Emily Hollingsworth, who did a marvelous job filling in for Prof. Ringenberg during his sabbatical in the fall of 2008.