Faculty

Ed Barnes (MSW 1999)

Profession: Executive Director of the Willkie House, Inc.and Adjunct Instructor for the UI School of Social Work

While I believe that passion or "burning" is a prerequisite to the helping profession, education or "learning" is a requirement, thus my pursuit of the MSW. The fact that the U of I School had a center located in Des Moines was extremely attractive and the course work design enabled me to advance my education while at the same time remain employed. I am grateful and appreciative of my experience with the UI/DM Center. The Center Director, instructors, and staff were challenging, demanding, but also open to the student's active participation in their educational process. The Des Moines Center actively and intentionally seeks and supports students from ethnically diverse backgrounds, thus it is my belief that is an approach that made the learning processes more comprehensive, inclusive, and honest. Wilkie House is one of the oldest African American community based organization in the state of Iowa (having been founded in 1917)and one of the few remaining "settlement houses" in the country. Its goal is to promote opportunities for young people focusing in four primary areas: academic, social skill-building, health and recreation. This is achieved through the delivery of evidenced based programming, presented by a culturally competent and ethnically diverse staff.

Mercedes Bern-Klug (PhD, MSW ‘84, MA)

Profession: Assistant Professor in Social Work, The University of Iowa; Joint Appointment with the Aging Studies Program

The UI Social Work program offered me the opportunity to complete my MSW in Des Moines. This option allowed me to gain valuable practicum experience with the State Mental Health Department, and with the only Alzheimer’s Disease Chapter in Iowa (at the time). I moved to Washington DC, and began a 12 year volunteer experience with the Alzheimer’s Association and completed a paid internship at the Social Security Administration, which was arranged by my Des Moines social work professor, Dr. Martin Tracy. I remained in DC for 8 years working on national projects enhancing the lives of older adults..The MSW proved to be an asset!