By Samantha Wirth
Building a social work career is deeply local, rooted in the specific needs and relationships of the communities that people call home. For more than 25 years, the University of Iowa’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program in Sioux City has been designed to prepare social workers who are committed to serving the Siouxland area, focusing on rural communities and local impact. Through an in-person, cohort-based model, the program emphasizes the power of relationships, licensure-readiness, and long-term professional support, allowing students to learn and practice in a community that supports their success.
At the center of it all is Sarah Stevens, MA, MSW, LISW, LIMHP, practicum and program administrator for the School of Social Work’s MSW program. In this role, Stevens acts as the primary instructor, advisor, and practicum administrator for MSW students. She is dedicated to helping students identify their passions, develop their professional goals, and connect with the broader social work community in the tri-state area through continuing education experiences and networking opportunities.
Stevens earned a master's degree in social work in 2017 from the School of Social Work in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She began her career at Siouxland Mental Health Center, where she worked with clients of various ages, life circumstances, and diagnoses. During her time there, she took on leadership roles that allowed her to provide support and supervision for adult therapy and substance teams, students, and professionals working toward full licensure. In 2025, Stevens opened a private practice, specializing in “care for the caregivers”, with a focus on secondary and vicarious trauma, vocational discernment, and providing opportunities for mutual support and encouragement for helping professionals in the area.
Read on to learn more about Stevens’ work at the School of Social Work’s Sioux City-based MSW program and her commitment to student success.
What makes the Sioux City program unique compared to other locations?
As an alum of the Sioux City program, I know firsthand the benefits of being able to form relationships with my fellow cohort members as we completed our coursework and practicum embedded in our local communities. Many of our alumni serve as practicum instructors, adjunct faculty, and informal support of our students and one another.
What do you enjoy most about working with MSW students?
I love watching people and communities grow. Working with MSW students allows me to walk alongside others as they join this important profession and develop their own understandings of what it means to be world changers.
Are there themes or topics in social work that you are especially passionate about right now?
Leadership and community development and the practices that sustain us have always been a passion of mine. I believe that this is essential now more than ever as individuals and communities live with growing amounts of stress and uncertainty. My background in women’s spirituality and ministry have shaped how I understand the importance of connection. Additionally, I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) and provide supervision for licensure and take seriously the role of supporting individuals in this role.
What goals or priorities do you have for the program in the next few years?
As the needs of our communities continue to change, it has required us as social workers to use our best adaptive and networking skills. My goal is that this program can build on the over 25 years of growing and developing local leaders and to continue to adapt to the changing needs of our region, expand our social work profession, and provide and sustain a supportive community along the way.