Innovation Matters 2025
A Message from the Dean
As the Grand Challenges for Social Work initiative prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in January of 2026, it is a fitting opportunity to reflect on the collective work, collaboration, and innovation that is propelling the profession forward. I am so proud of the ways my colleagues at the University of Utah contribute to this work. In this issue of Innovation Matters, we look at how a new sequence of courses will help better prepare our graduates to serve Spanish-speaking communities, how a nationwide network of interdisciplinary scholars is shaping a cutting-edge curriculum, and how the University of Utah is investing in a unified behavioral health strategy for our campus and broader community.
— Philip Osteen, PhD, MSW
Dean & Professor, College of Social Work
Chief Behavioral Health Officer for Academic Affairs
Innovation Now
Rooted in Culture & Breaking New Ground: Social Work Spanish Language/Culture Graduate Course Teaches Practice Skills for Serving the Latine/x Community
“I see value in providing a space that affirms the lived experiences of Latine/x and Spanish-speaking students, while also encouraging them to reflect on their values, beliefs, and professional ethics—and to excavate the Eurocentric parts of our practice that may be less impactful with [some] clients.”
Utah Professor Selected for Multidisciplinary Psychedelic Education Fellowship
“With the support of U-PEP mentors and the broader learning collaborative, I will help prepare future social workers to engage with this emerging field ethically and knowledgeably."
Social Work's Dean Osteen Tapped to Serve as U's Inaugural Chief Behavioral Health Officer for Academic Affairs
“At the U, we are well-positioned to lead.”
Innovate With Us
The University of Utah College of Social Work is currently seeking dynamic career-line and tenure-track faculty candidates to contribute to the strategic growth of the College. A leader in social work education in the Intermountain West, we offer an inclusive and challenging learning environment where BSW, MSW, and PhD students are encouraged to collaborate with faculty, peers, and community partners in analyzing and resolving critical social challenges. Find out more here!