Message from the Interim Directors

Welcome to the School of Social Work at New Mexico State University! 

We are thrilled to extend this invitation for you to delve into the dynamic work of social work through our well-rounded programs. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education for over 30 years, our school prides itself on offering rigorous and comprehensive educational experiences. These pathways are designed not only to equip you with an ethical and evidence-informed social work level of competency but also to prepare you with the practical skills necessary to effect genuine change in our society, whether on a local, regional, or global level. 

At NMSU, we stand proudly as part of a land-grant, minority, and Hispanic-serving institution dedicated to nurturing students from diverse cultural backgrounds and lived experiences. One of our key commitments lies in providing a diverse array of practicum opportunities, enabling students to thrive in various settings. Past students have engaged in practicum opportunities spanning social service agencies, school-based environments, interdisciplinary health and behavioral settings, geriatric and hospice care, as well as community organizing and advocacy on a macro level. 

Our faculty and staff are the backbone of our School of Social Work, offering support and expertise. They are devoted to advancing the social work profession forward while empowering students to excel in our ever-evolving field. We take immense pride in pursuing culturally responsive education, applied research, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaborations. The impactful research conducted by our faculty spans a range of critical areas, from trauma-informed practices in school and child welfare settings to addressing health disparities in borderland regions and advocating for immigrant families’ well-being within communities, including the child welfare system. 

If you are considering a career in social work or seeking to further your current journey, now is the time to explore our programs. We offer both Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degrees at our Las Cruces and NMSU Global campuses, utilizing a blend of face-to-face, online, and hybrid approaches. 

We extend an invitation to join our accredited programs if you are driven by innovation, aspire to be a catalyst for change, and desire to advocate for social justice. At its core, social work is about change and the capacity for change to bring about good. Together, we can make an impactful difference not only in New Mexico and the Southwest but also on a national and global scale. 

Sincerely, 

Stacy Gherardi, PhD, LCSW 
Interim Co-Director 
Associate Professor 


Mónica Montoya, PhD Candidate, LCSW 
Interim Co-Director 
College Associate Professor