University of Montana School of Social Work

Congratulations to our 2026 Outstanding Agency Field Instructor Honorees!

The University of Montana School of Social Work is proud to recognize the exceptional agency field instructors who play a critical role in preparing the next generation of social workers. Through mentorship, supervision, and hands-on learning opportunities, these professionals help students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to enter the field.

Each year, students nominate field instructors who demonstrate outstanding mentorship, professional excellence, commitment to teaching, and dedication to the social work profession. From these nominations, a faculty committee selects honorees representing both our BSW and MSW programs.

Please join us in celebrating our 2026 honorees:

⭐ Lizzie Carlson-Thompson: 2+2 Distance (BSW) Program
Family Advocate, Rocky Head Start, Rocky Mountain Development Council, Inc.

⭐ Autumn Holm: BSW Campus Program
Care Management Program Manager, Missoula Aging Services

⭐ Nathan Stahley: Online MSW Program
Executive Director, Montana and Idaho Chapters, National Association of Social Workers

Thank you for your leadership, mentorship, and commitment to advancing the profession of social work. Your impact on our students and communities is immeasurable!

Congratulations to Clinical Professor Dr. Phyllis Ngai on her continued leadership in advancing Indigenous Peoples’ rights through scholarship, education, and advocacy.

Dr. Ngai has been actively educating professionals at national and international conferences and has contributed a series of three publications in widely read social work journals focused on Indigenous Peoples’ rights.

The first article in the series, “Social Work Practice Experiences Informed by Global Agreements on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights: Closing Gaps and Moving Forward,” was published in the Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work in February 2026.

The article explores how global agreements on Indigenous Peoples’ rights can inform social work practice and help close longstanding gaps while advancing more equitable and culturally responsive approaches.

The full article is available through the link in bio or the Mansfield Library.

The University of Montana School of Social Work is proud to announce that we have been selected as the recipient of the 2026 CSWE Field Education/Practicum Excellence in Innovation Award.

Presented by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), this national award recognizes excellence and innovation in field education and honors programs that make exemplary contributions to student learning through practicum education.
This recognition reflects the dedication, creativity, and commitment of our entire Field Education team, led by Director Kat Werner, as well as the many students, field liaisons, Agency Field Instructors, outside supervisors, community partners, and organizations who make this work possible.

Together, we have built a relationship-centered, place-based, and justice-oriented field education model that expands access to social work education across Montana, the Rocky Mountain West, and geographically isolated communities. By creating flexible, community-responsive practicum opportunities, we are helping students remain connected to their communities while developing the skills and experience needed to serve them.

We are deeply grateful to our partners across the state and region whose collaboration, mentorship, and shared commitment to social work education have made this achievement possible. This award is a testament to what can be accomplished when communities, agencies, educators, and students work together to strengthen local systems of care and create pathways for future social workers.
Congratulations to our Field Education Program and everyone who contributed to this remarkable achievement. We look forward to celebrating this recognition at CSWE's 72nd Annual Conference this October.

https://www.cswe.org/about-cswe/awards/2026-awardees/

What does social work look like outside of traditional agency settings?

At the Missoula Public Library, UM MSW alum Virginia Harris and MSW practicum student Liam Keshishian are helping demonstrate the growing role of social workers in public spaces, offering support, connection, and dignity to community members navigating housing instability, mental health challenges, isolation, and economic hardship.

Virginia, a 2025 graduate of the University of Montana MSW program, describes the library as “a humanizing institution,” one of the few public spaces where everyone can feel welcome. On any given day, she and her team may help patrons apply for housing, access healthcare, find transportation, or simply provide compassionate conversation and active listening.

“I feel so honored to get to do this work every day,” Virginia shared.

For Liam, one of the most impactful parts of his practicum has been seeing the library serve as a hub for community care through Resource Access Day events that connect patrons directly with local service providers.

“Unhoused individuals are often used to being ignored,” Liam explained. “To sit and listen with empathy is a small thing that can go a long way.”

Their reflections also highlight the complex barriers many Missoulians face, from securing stable housing and employment to navigating systems without consistent support or resources.

Libraries across the country are increasingly integrating social work into their services, helping create more responsive, inclusive, and compassionate spaces for everyone.

We’re proud to see UM social work students and alumni leading this important work in our communities.

Photo 1: MSW Student: Liam Keshishian on the left and BSW Student Addison Brown on the right

Photo 2: Left to Right: YSEALI Fellow Anis, Virginia Harris, Slaven,
and YSEALI Fellow Elsa, and Library Director Slaven Lee

Only 2 weeks left ⏳
Earn your online MSW from the University of Montana - affordable, flexible, and built for your schedule. Applications due by April 5th.

Apply now or drop us a message here:
https://info.umt.edu/online-master-social-work

The Advanced Standing MSW is:
✔️ Fully online
✔️ Synchronous classes on Fridays
✔️ Designed for working professionals
✔️ Completed in just 12 months

If you're ready to take the next step in your social work career, now’s the time to apply.

⏰ Priority deadline: February 15
📅 Final deadline: February 28

Learn more & apply, link in bio

From supporting children and families, to advocating for mental health access, to working in hospitals, schools, tribal communities, nonprofits, and policy — MSW graduates lead change where it matters most.

Now you can pursue your MSW and save up to $15,000 through WRGP (starting FA26)!

⏰ Priority deadline: February 15
📅 Final deadline: February 28

Start your applciation by February 15th.

https://www.umt.edu/social-work/master-of-social-work/on-campus-program/default.php

https://www.umt.edu/grad/faculty-and-staff/wrgp.php