“I’m an alcohologist!” Dr. Lance Segars earned his master’s degree in clinical psychology from SDSU. While earning his degree he worked at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital in their alcohol treatment facility. After graduation, Dr. Segars began coordinating alcohol programs with Vista Hill Foundation in Imperial County. He ran a recovery home and a detox center. This experience encouraged him to earn a higher degree in alcohol studies. Dr. Segars enrolled at the University of Pittsburg to earn his PhD in Social Work. He developed a proposal for an alcohol program evaluation study and worked with the county of San Diego to implement this program. Dr. Segars continued to do research for the county of San Diego- drinking and driving studies and prevention. At this time he was invited to join the SDSU School of Social Work to teach research methods. Aware that research methods were one of the more challenging courses to teach he asked himself, “How can I get students interested in research?” He found that through weekly assignments, repetition, and keeping the material relevant to student life, he is able to engage students in research. Dr. Segars enjoys the energy and enthusiasm social work students bring to class and he encourages students to ask questions and get involved during lecture.
In addition to teaching, Dr. Segars continues to do what he loves best-alcohol research. His most recent focus is prevention within college environments. He has collaborated with the U.S. Department of Education conducting technical assistance and training with college and university staff on issues of alcohol prevention and evaluation studies. At the moment Dr. Segars is developing an online course for the School of Social Work-so stay tuned. Dr. Segars wants to tell social work students not to forget what makes this field so unique. As he eloquently puts it, it’s “person-in-environment.”
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