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School of Social Work News

The programs offered by the School of Social Work strive to instill values of social and economic justice, respect and worth of others, cultural diversity, and self-determination. We also foster a strengths-based environment that emphasizes openness, collaboration, and engagement striving towards individual and community resiliency.

Current Social Work News

Las Vegas cityscape with UNLV in foreground
Research |

By learning resiliency techniques, law enforcement officers can better respond to the needs of the region's residents and tourists.

Undergrad researcher Benjamin Sabir helps H. Jeremy Cho examine an atmospheric water harvesting device. (Jeff Scheid/UNLV)
Campus News |

A monthly roundup of the top news stories featuring UNLV staff and students.

commencement profile (josh hawkins/unlv)
People |

President Keith E. Whitfield honors six graduates who have shown exemplary commitment to both the community and their studies.

woman at the front of the room speaking to an audience
People |

UNLV vice president's preschool revolt was the start of her career in government affairs. She presents at Grad College event Feb. 22.

The Las Vegas skyline (Josh Hawkins, UNLV).
Campus News |

A collection of news stories highlighting UNLV’s dedication to community and research.

a set of model teeth with blue plastic gums
Campus News |

News highlights featuring UNLV faculty and students who made local and national headlines.

Social Work In The News

Police1

The UNLV Tourist Safety Institute launched an eight-week emergency responder resilience program in August, designed to help Nevada State Police Highway Patrol officers improve their social and emotional wellness. The training focuses on mindfulness, emotional regulation, attention control, and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships to help officers manage the stresses of their profession.

Police1

The UNLV Tourist Safety Institute launched an eight-week emergency responder resilience program in August, designed to help Nevada State Police Highway Patrol officers improve their social and emotional wellness. The training focuses on mindfulness, emotional regulation, attention control, and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships to help officers manage the stresses of their profession.

Newswise

A new program designed by the UNLV Tourist Safety Institute is helping Nevada Highway State Patrol employees focus on their social and emotional wellness. Law enforcement officers are learning skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, attention control, and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships. The goal is to help them improve their health, operational performance, and abilities to manage challenging situations as first responders.

Newswise

A new program designed by the UNLV Tourist Safety Institute is helping Nevada Highway State Patrol employees focus on their social and emotional wellness. Law enforcement officers are learning skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, attention control, and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships. The goal is to help them improve their health, operational performance, and abilities to manage challenging situations as first responders.

Newswise

A new program designed by the UNLV Tourist Safety Institute is helping Nevada Highway State Patrol employees focus on their social and emotional wellness. Law enforcement officers are learning skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, attention control, and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships. The goal is to help them improve their health, operational performance, and abilities to manage challenging situations as first responders.

NPR

James Watts, a third generation Las Vegan, and his partner, Lauren Tuvell, just fulfilled a dream that currently might feel out of reach for many long-time Nevada residents. They bought a house. But their purchase was hard-fought. Watts said they would tour a house, only to learn that somebody had already put an offer on it without ever having even seen it.

Social Work Experts

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An expert in addictions and social work.
An expert in welfare policies and programs.
An expert in mental and behavioral health, youth and veteran homelessness, and social work.
A licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma treatment.

Recent Social Work Accomplishments

An-Pyng Sun (Social Work), together with Tracy Liu and Avi Ramprashad (both from University of Maryland, School of Medicine), wrote an article, "Methamphetamine-Associated Psychosis: Its Nature and Management," which appeared in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Specialty Practice Section 2024 Fall…
An-Pyng Sun (Social Work) was a panelist in the discussion group on social work and addictions on May 14, organized by the National Association of Social Workers. The discussion addressed the importance of social determinants of health and recovery capital in facilitating long-term addiction recovery. Social work's cardinal value on person–…
An-Pyng Sun (Social Work) was reappointed by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), "the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world,” to be a member of its Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) Specialty Practice Section (SPS) Committee. Her term has been extended to 2025. Her article…
An-Pyng Sun (Social Work) gave a presentation, "Five Treatment Needs of Male Adolescents and Young Adults with Gaming Disorder," on September 22, 2023, at the Digital Media and Developing Minds International Scientific Congress, Washington, D.C. The five treatment needs are themes generated from a qualitative study and aim to serve as a starting…
The UNLV Greenspun College of Urban Affairs hosted an award and scholarship ceremony on April 26, 2023. The following individuals received Faculty in Excellence Awards. Excellence in Teaching Award - Lawrence Mullen, School of Public Policy and Leadership   Excellence in Research Award - Nicholas Barr, School of Social Work …
An-Pyng Sun's (Social Work) article, "Gaming Disorder among Adolescents and its Treatment: Five Strategies," recently appeared in the National Association of Social Workers' ATOD (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs) newsletter, 2023 Spring/Summer issue. The strategies highlighted in the article include: 1. Consider gaming disorder a bona fide…