Kaitlin Costello, MSW Student, Class of 2015
I chose social work as a career path because it fit right in with my own values and beliefs about activism and the importance of social justice. I am interested in helping individuals, as well as communities, recognize and build up their strengths in order to fully realize their potential for positive change. It’s a great field that offers many different career paths, and I am constantly finding new things that I could do with my degree.
Here at the University of Illinois, I have never felt more at home in a program than I do now. The School of Social Work is a warm and welcoming community full of wonderful staff, faculty, and students that are just as passionate about social work as I am. I have made great connections with my peers here, and look forward to coming to class each day knowing that I am surrounded by familiar faces. Just as well, the professors and staff here are not only interested in you as a student, but as a person as well. They genuinely care about your well-being and take time to get to know their students. You can’t always find that in other programs or colleges!
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Cristen Seiders, MSW '17
I have always had a passion for people. I knew that, one day, I wanted to work in a position where I could help empower others, propelling them to fully discover their worth and live out their purpose. Upon my senior year of high school, I discovered the ongoing devastation known as human trafficking. And ... See full story
Kaitlin Block, BSW Student
People have asked me, “What does social work have to do with the coroner’s office?” which is something I asked myself before beginning my placement. I knew that I would be doing crisis intervention and also work with grieving families, but wondered what else I would do in my newfound role. Throughout the course of ... See full story
Jill Bachman, iMSW Student, Class of 2019
“The iMSW program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was the best choice by far! My journey to research where I would obtain my MSW began with encouragement from my current supervisor at the agency I have been employed with for almost 15 years. When asking others where they thought the best educational experience would ... See full story
Tina Turner, School Social Work Concentration, Class of 2017
“Truthfully, as a veteran and resident of Illinois, I was confined to Illinois for graduate school since I have a veteran’s grant from the state that pays my tuition. U of I was my first choice, not only because of its prestigious history and well recognized reputation, but I got such a good “vibe” from ... See full story
Katie Sidwell, iMSW Student, Class of 2019
“I decided to attend the School of Social Work because of the flexibility and course delivery of the program. As a student who was working in the field already, one of the biggest concerns about continuing school and furthering my education was the flexibility and location/course delivery of the program. After doing research on many ... See full story
Brynn Howard, Health Care Concentration, Class of 2011
“I decided to attend the School of Social Work at the University of Illinois because of the amazing reputation that the program has- I knew there was no other school I wanted to attend. I chose the Health Care concentration because I had a strong interest in geriatric services, specifically Hospice Care. In the Health ... See full story
Grace Mitchell, MSW '79
Grace’s Background: “I moved to Urbana-Champaign in 1978 from Baltimore, Maryland, where I was raised in the McCollum Homes housing projects with my grandmother. As a single parent and welfare recipient, I struggled to raise my daughter and survive the vicious circle of poverty. I was actively involved in working with the adolescents in the ... See full story
Sandie Kopels, Professor, JD, MSW '83
I never realized that my three degrees from the University of Illinois would combine into the opportunity to teach law to thousands of MSW students who then work to benefit the lives of others. I have been extraordinarily lucky to have these students in my classroom and watch them grow into skilled practitioners, as well ... See full story
Linda Weiss, MSW '90
The School of Social Work at the University of Illinois helped prepare me to make positive contributions to individuals, families and communities through a wide range of professional endeavors. ... See full story
Lance Keene, MSW '12
The MSW program laid a firm foundation for me in social work practice at the micro and macro level. I feel equally prepared working one-on-one with individuals and in the grant writing process ... See full story
Meghan Rewers, MSW '10
Background: I attended the Eastern Illinois University from 2004-2008 and obtained my Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Sciences. I then attended the University of Illinois School of Social Work Master’s program from 2008-2010. It was through that program that I was introduced to the Crisis Nursery in Urbana. I began as a volunteer for a ... See full story
Jacob Goffnett, MSW Student, Class of 2014
I interviewed and toured at other Schools of Social Work and they felt rigid. Here, I truly believe that each faculty and staff have my best interest in mind. ... See full story
Kaitlyn Cornell, MSW '16
“I chose to attend the School of Social Work for several reasons. Perhaps the strongest and most influential factor in my decision was familiarity. I had already attended Illinois for my BSW and it was my home, my comfort zone. By attending the University of Illinois I knew I was getting the highest quality education, ... See full story
Valerie Cintron, MA, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Asst. Professor
“I love how the iMSW program allows students to be in charge of their learning experience. It strengthens the ability to create a balance between work, life, and education by allowing you to learn at your own pace. My favorite part of online teaching is observing students having their “aha! moments”; meaning, they are putting ... See full story
Eric Powell, Mental Health Concentration, Class of 2015
“As a part-time MSW student who was working full-time, I knew that I would face a number of unique challenges and obstacles. I was worried that I may not receive the same attention or care because I was not as visible or present as the full-time students. However, my fears quickly subsided as I began ... See full story
Jan Carter-Black, Associate Professor, PhD '05, MSW '95
My association with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign began in 1968 when I arrived on campus as an eighteen year old freshman. It wasn’t until 1989 that I walked into 1207 W. Oregon for the first time. ... See full story
Carlos A. Evans Jr., MSW '12
“The relationships that I built at U of I with the students and staff have been maintained now for over three years. I think that facts speak to their investment in their students and their genuineness. I was recruited to the Illinois Association of School Social Workers by one of my former professors and then ... See full story
Jane Chung, MSW Student
I chose social work as my career path simply because it teaches me how to selflessly serve. The training I receive in my classes and through my professors challenge me to look beyond my comfort zones and to be prepared in the most efficient and effective way for when I enter the international social work ... See full story
Donzell Lampkins, MSW Student, Health Care Concentration, Class of 2016
“When I decided to pursue a Master of Social Work, I knew there was only one choice: The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign! Throughout the application process, I had so many questions and concerns, yet Illinois never grew frustrated. I felt genuinely cared for by the faculty and staff who proved themselves to be very ... See full story
Eric Ray, Class of 2017
“I chose The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for a couple of reasons. One, Illinois is the premier university that not only employers see as an major asset in employees, but also has the absolute best professors that care about their students’ successes. The staff at the School of Social Work from advising to internship ... See full story
Perry Cline, BSW Student
I was raised by low income, working-class people in Chicago, Illinois. I didn’t have the best of things but I was very content with what we had. I’m a product of the Chicago public school system; one of the worst schools in the country in the mid 1980’s. Our books were outdated; there were no ... See full story
Laura Butts, MSW Student, Mental Health Concentration, Class of 2015
“The MSW program prepared me for field practicum by allowing me to learn both inside and outside of the classroom. The professors in the program genuinely want the students to succeed; they promote both personal and professional growth throughout the coursework. For example, I was able to apply my interests in both criminal justice and ... See full story
Teresa Allen, MSW Student, Class of 2014
I decided to pursue my MSW degree at the University of Illinois School of Social Work before I was even accepted as an undergraduate student at the University. ... See full story
Darnell Fisher, MSW '13
I am a 2013 MSW graduate from the School of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I am originally from Los Angeles, California and received my BA in Social Work from California State University, Fresno in 2011. To say that I was born and raised in California is an understatement of my ... See full story
Jason Davis, Mental Health Concentration, Class of 2017
“The reason I chose the MSW program is because I was looking for an experience that would give me valuable skills that I could implement to make a difference within our youth by catering to their mental health and behavioral needs. If you are looking for a master’s program that teaches you advance techniques and ... See full story
Brianna Malin, Class of 2016
“I had always wanted to be a teacher when I grew up because I wanted to make an impact in others’ lives. When I started college, I soon realized that my life dream to help young people would take on new directions. As I began to take classes at University of Illinois, a new path ... See full story
Chinonyerem Kamalu, Health Care Concentration, Class of 2015
“My experience in my MSW program cannot be described with mere words but I will use 3 words to describe it: great, awesome and fun filled. I did not only receive education towards my graduate degree, but I also developed my leadership skills. As an Executive Board Member of the GSWA and Student Co-Leader of ... See full story
Samantha Hack, MSW '06, PhD '13
As a student at the School of Social Work I had invaluable faculty mentorship combined with experiential learning opportunities. I worked on research funded by the National Institute for Mental Health, ... See full story
Heather Sears, Mental Health Concentration, Class of 2015
“I grew so much during my time in the BSW and MSW programs, and had some amazing support and opportunities. I felt truly invested in as a student, and that’s why I decided to stay to finish my education. I received encouragement in all of my endeavors, and knew that I could go to anyone ... See full story
Lenore Matthew, Class of 2017
“I entered the field of social work after working for several years as a practitioner and researcher in international development. I knew I wanted to pursue a doctoral program that focused on applied research, and that enabled my continued work abroad. Since day one in the social work program, I have felt completely supported by ... See full story
Terra Kern, MSW '11
My experiences with the School of Social Work have been very enriching and continue to be. As a student, I enjoyed my classes and found the faculty to be very knowledgeable in the field. ... See full story
Morgan Tarter, Health Care Concentration, Class of 2015
“My choice to attend University of Illinois School of Social Work was one of the best decisions I could have made. This decision, not only provided a dense academic foundation, but it also provided many opportunities to work outside the classroom prior to field placement. The Community Learning Lab (CLL) provided a way to begin ... See full story
Natonja Wells, MSW Student
Q: Describe your duties as an Academic Coach for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. A: I provide academic support to student-athletes across all sports who are at-risk or have diagnosed learning disabilities/ADHD. Academic support includes working with student-athletes in areas such as study strategies, time management, organization, navigating the writing process, assignment completion, and generalized ... See full story
Caroline Quintanilla, BSW Student, Class of 2016
“What really drew me to the BSW program, particularly at the University of Illinois, is the network of support. My experience at the U of I has been so positive, and I can only attribute that to the enriching experience that is the BSW program; my professors whose sole concerns are not just grades, but ... See full story
More Testimonials
Caroline Quintanilla, BSW Student, Class of 2016
“What really drew me to the BSW program, particularly at the University of Illinois, is the network of support. My experience at the U of I has been so positive, and I can only attribute that to the enriching experience that is the BSW program; my professors whose sole concerns are not just grades, but ... See full story