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Q & A with Director Thom Reilly
- What distinguishes SDSU’s School of Social Work
from programs at other leading research and
academic institutions?
We benefit, first and foremost, from a faculty
whose members are among the most accomplished,
knowledgeable, and dedicated scholars and teachers
you’ll find anywhere in the country today. They’re
thoroughly committed to their students’ success,
and they are constantly advancing the frontiers of
research in their fields.
Beyond outstanding faculty talent, we offer a host
of different degree-granting programs comprising
many unique specializations and concentrations,
flexible class schedules, numerous scholarship
programs, and the opportunity to study abroad.
- You mentioned the faculty’s reputation for producing important
research. Can you elaborate?
Our faculty includes some of the leading authorities
in an unusually broad range of disciplines and focus
areas: substance abuse, child welfare, mental health,
domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, human trafficking,
organizational effectiveness, public and non-profit
management, immigration, community organizing …
the list goes on.
It’s important to note that, while our interests and
areas of expertise vary widely, we are united by a single, powerful vision and mission, which is to
effect global change one community at a time.We
firmly believe that individuals can impact the world
in meaningful, enduring ways by pursuing careers in
social work. Everything we do is intended to help
students fulfill that potential.
- What sorts of students thrive at the School?
You have to want to make a difference by focusing
on the public good. There has to be that level of
commitment and passion. There is also, I think, an
openness and uncommon appreciation of differences
among our students. They celebrate diversity, and
they strive to gain exposure to the various challenges
confronting people from all walks of life. I think our
location in San Diego is a tremendous asset in that
regard. As a border city and a truly international city,
San Diego gives students an extraordinary degree of
insight into other cultures, both through research
and field placements, and through the normal course
of day-to-day living here in this community. Plus,
you know, it’s not a bad place to live – San Diego is
74 degrees and sunny much of the time.
- What surprises people about the School?
The spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial
thinking characterize our students and faculty. This
is an extraordinarily resourceful and enterprising
School, where theory meets practice and orthodoxy
is challenged on a daily basis.We actively encourage
students and faculty members to pursue new
approaches to complex problems, to apply classroom
teaching to real-world situations, and to put their
creativity and analytical skills to the test each and
every day. It’s a challenging environment, but
ultimately a highly rewarding one. I’d encourage
anyone interested in our programs to come visit us,
audit a few classes, meet with our team and compare
us to any other school in the nation. I think you’ll
find there’s no better place to launch or advance a
career with the potential to change the world, one
community at a time.
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