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. While I was not able to pursue a BSW degree here at that time, I still knew that this MSW program was one of the best in the nation so I took every chance to attend School of Social Work open houses as an undergrad, volunteered for multiple philanthropy organizations on campus and around Champaign-Urbana, and worked in the field for two years before deciding I was ready to begin the MSW program. I loved my experiences working in the field so while contemplating applying for grad school this program was especially appealing because I had the option to enroll in the outreach program if I decided to continue to work while pursuing my degree. Ultimately, I applied to obtain my MSW degree full time on campus. I love that I can complete the program within two years and have the opportunity to pursue a field internship in one agency for a whole two semesters which is unique to UIUC. I am fortunate to be able to now call myself a student of the School of Social Work and feel confident with the exceptional classroom education and field placement opportunity I am receiving that I will be a competent and knowledgeable professional assisting my clients in my future career.
More Testimonials
Honoring Those Who Served: Dr. Shanondora Billiot, Assistant Professor
What branch of service did you serve in? I served in the United States Air Force (1997-2002) and the Louisiana Air National Guard (2002-2005) What got you through basic training? The thought that I would have to go back home to wait tables for my aunt and live with family, and not attend college. Where ... See full story
Honoring Those Who Served: Arnie Marks, MSW ’66
What branch of service did you serve in? I served as a Medical Service Corps Officer in the United States Army from 1966-1969. What got you through basic training? Basic Training for Officers was more like “charm school” rather than intense basic combat training. We were taught about chain of command, role of an officer, ... See full story
Amber Phillips, MSW '19
As an intern, Amber’s role was to administer assessments with newly admitted residents while she maintained a therapy caseload of residents. “Over the summer, I became very good at developing and maintaining therapeutic rapport with residents in a respectful and clinical manner.” Using her engagement skills, along with gathering other relevant information, Amber was able ... 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
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
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
Nia Montoute, BSW Graduate, United States Army Reservist
What lead you to choose the University of Illinois for your BSW? First semester of my freshman year of college, I attended a small private college in Wisconsin. Second semester, I was able to take time off (thanks to high school AP courses) to go to Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training for the ... 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
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
Honoring Those Who Served: Eric Batsie, MSW ‘18
What branch of service did you serve in? U.S. Army. (I need to caveat this with I was in Military Intelligence and thus cannot share many details.) What got you through basic training? Determination that whatever the Drill Sergeant demanded I would try my best. Always in my mind, I was serving my country. Where ... 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
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
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, ... 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Serving Those Who Have Served: Ingrid Wheeler, MSW, LCSW
At what agency do you work and how long have you been in your current role? I am currently working at the Chez Veterans Center at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign as the Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Programs. I have been in this position for going on 2 years. What brought you to ... 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
Honoring Those Who Served: Geri Young, MSW ‘12
What branch of service did you serve in? United States Air Force, Air National Guard What got you through basic training? I lived for the days they served corn dogs at chow. Where were you stationed while in the service? As a guardsman, I have spent most of my career with the 182nd Air Wing ... 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
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
Honoring Those Who Served: Tina Turner, MSW '16
What branch of service did you serve in? Army What got you through basic training? I didn’t go to basic training because I entered the Army through ROTC in college. Where were you stationed while in the service? I was stationed at Fort Knox, KY, Fort Leonardwood, MO, and Fort Campbell, KY. Can you describe your experience ... 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
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
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
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
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
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
Honoring Those Who Served: Gail Tittle, MSW ‘96
What branch of service did you serve in? US Air Force What got you through basic training? I went to Officer’s Training (not basic, which is for enlisted). Perseverance and determination got me through it. Where were you stationed while in the service? NORAD, Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs, CO; Torrejon AB, Spain; Lakenheath AB, ... See full story
Serving Those Who Have Served: Nina O’Brien, MSW '08
At what agency do you work and how long have you been in your current role? I am currently the Local Recovery Coordinator at VA Illiana. I have been in my role for 1 ½ years. Prior to working in my current position, I worked as a clinician in the VA’s PTSD Clinic for 5 ... 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Honoring Those Who Served: Julie Muñoz-Nájar, MSW '08
What branch of service did you serve in? I was in the Illinois Air National Guard, which is a part of the US Air Force. What got you through basic training? Thursdays. That’s when the chow hall served vegetarian lasagna – that I had to consume in 2.2 minutes. In all seriousness, I had an ... 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
More Testimonials
Amber Phillips, MSW '19
As an intern, Amber’s role was to administer assessments with newly admitted residents while she maintained a therapy caseload of residents. “Over the summer, I became very good at developing and maintaining therapeutic rapport with residents in a respectful and clinical manner.” Using her engagement skills, along with gathering other relevant information, Amber was able ... See full story