A Message from Dr. Susan Reay
Welcome!
Housed within UNO’s prestigious College of Public Affairs and Community Service, the Grace Abbott School of Social Work leads the charge in exceptional social work education. Our program is committed to meeting the needs of our students, preparing them for their future, and building upon their innate abilities and interests.
We understand that social work can be a challenging and emotionally taxing profession, and like you, we believe the rewards of helping others far outweigh the difficulties. Our faculty and staff are here to support students every step of the way, and we encourage taking advantage of the many resources and opportunities available on our campus and throughout the community.
Service-learning is fundamental to our program. Through hands-on learning, students connect with professionals in the field, build relationships with our alumni, and participate in meaningful community outreach efforts. We strongly believe that one of the biggest strengths of our program lies in the diversity of our alumni, and it is inspiring to see our students and former students professionalize the workforce and contribute to the betterment of society.
Research and engagement have critical roles in social work. Our faculty actively participate in community-based research and eagerly involve students in their efforts. Our faculty regularly engage as members and collaborators with numerous local, regional, and national boards including the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), National Association of Social Workers (NASW), as well as the Office of the Public Guardian, The Kim Foundation, and many others.
GASSW recognizes that learning does not end at graduation, but is a lifelong journey of growth and discovery. The Grace Abbott Training and Supervision Academy, a department within our school, stays connected with alumni through continuing education, supervision, and Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam preparation and supports social workers and behavioral health professionals throughout their careers.
Our school is located on the second floor of the College of Public Affairs building on the beautiful University of Nebraska at Omaha campus, near the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center and Henningson Memorial Campanile (often referred to as the Bell Tower). We welcome potential and current students, alumni, community partners, and friends of the Grace Abbott School of Social Work to visit our offices, attend one of our community events or professional education opportunities, and collaborate with us in the semesters ahead.
Sincerely,
Dr. Susan Reay, LICSW
Director
Grace Abbott School of Social Work