After more than 20 years in school social work, Emily Donovan is bringing her expertise in student well-being, behavioral support, and social-emotional development to the classroom and MSW practicum experiences.

With a background in college mental health and student support, Cara Cerullo is helping prepare future social workers through her work as a clinical associate professor and MSW practicum administrator.

Jay Kayser has returned to the University of Iowa to study how relationships, loneliness, and stressful experiences shape mental and cognitive health as people age, while developing accessible mental health programs for older adults.

Beth Skinner has spent more than 25 years in corrections, drawing on her Iowa education to bring research, rehabilitation, and a social work perspective to her leadership.

Jeong was selected for the Center for Social Science Innovation's Summer Researcher-in-Residence program, which provides dedicated time, space and resources to advance high-impact social science research, such as Jeong's research on suicide loss survivors.

The article highlights three reasons students choose the University of Iowa for social work: its top-ranked program and experienced faculty, its extensive alumni network and career connections, and its preparation for Iowa’s growing mental health workforce needs.

Jennifer Skolaski's journey demonstrates how a bachelor's degree in social work can lead to a career creating lasting community impact. Learn how the 2005 Iowa graduate has transformed her passion for helping others into a leadership role focused on solving complex challenges through collaboration and innovation.

Amanda Hebel has spent 15 years connecting patients and families with the resources they need most. The 2010 social work graduate shares how her Iowa education helped prepare her for a career rooted in compassion, advocacy, and human connection.

School of Social Work alumni Sara Kintzle MSW reflects on mentorship, trauma-informed care, and building a career in military social work.

Ariel Sanders leads youth outreach efforts with the Crittenton Center in Sioux City as a part of her practicum placement in Iowa's MSW program.