In this issue
- Cover
- Dean's Message
- Cross-Disciplinary Team Pilots Violence Screening Instrument for University of Utah Students
- Alumni News
- Innovation Matters Snapshot
- "Repowering" Indigenous Perspectives Through Mentorship
- New Faculty
- New Leadership Roles
- MSWSA Does the Math Amid SNAP Suspension
- New Navigate Hub for Education & Social Work
- Your Therapist Wants You to Go Outside
- Innovative Training, Real-World Impact: New Center Elevates Workforce Skills for Human Services and Beyond
- Pushing Limits, Fueling Hope
- Earning While Learning: Jumpstarting a Career as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor with a Paid Apprenticeship
- Hope on the Other Side of Tragedy: A Social Worker's Role in Organ Transplant Services
- Kudos
- News
- Culturally Grounded, Clinically Informed: How Social Work Researchers Are Advancing the Field of Psychedelics and Mental Health
- Creative Partnership Means Opportunities for Students with Justice System Lived Experience
- Donor Honor Roll
- Message to Our Donors
- PhD Candidate Accepts PIE Student Award at the CSWE Annual Conference
- Credits
Assistant Professor Carson De Fries is a gerontological social worker whose scholarship centers on intergenerational interventions to increase connection, belonging, and well-being among older adults. Her research underscores the importance of sustainable, macro-level approaches to fostering intergenerational connectedness. After earning both her PhD and MSW from the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, De Fries joined the U’s faculty in July of 2025. “What has struck me most during my short time here is the genuine collaboration across faculty, staff, students, and community partners,” she reflected. “Seeing everyone come together reminds me of the extraordinary strength that emerges when we work collectively.”
Assistant Professor/Lecturer Sarah Herrera works remotely from Texas, teaching in the online MSW Program. “While online teaching might appear solitary, I've been pleasantly surprised by the strong engagement from our online students,” she said. “I also feel so lucky to be part of such a supportive online team.” Herrera is a licensed clinical social worker with expertise in student mental health. She also owns a private practice where she offers therapy, supervision, and education focused on the well-being of helping professionals, caregivers, and college students. She earned her PhD from the University of Texas at Arlington and her MSW from Texas Christian University.
Assistant Professor/Lecturer Lori Watsen’s professional background includes more than a decade of experience as an oncology social worker, supporting patients and their families through various stages of treatment. “Teaching social work students reminds me that compassion is alive and well,” she remarked. “The commitment and passion for social justice I see demonstrated in our College of Social Work students renews my faith and hope in humanity.” Watsen earned her MSW from Boise State University and is currently serving as board president of the Idaho Society for Clinical Social Work.