Schwander, Lissa
Associate Professor
Biography
Professor Schwander is a social work educator and practitioner with over 20 years of experience in a variety of fields of practice including social work practice with women and children, housing and homelessness and medical social work. She served as the Field Education Director from 2019-2025, and now serves as the Program Director.
More about Lissa Schwander
Publications & Presentations
VandenBerg, T. & Schwander, L. (2020). A Short-term Study Abroad Program and Its Long-term Impact on Participants: A Perspective on Global Citizenship. Arts and Social Studies Research, Vol. 1. Submitted, Fall 2019. Accepted and forthcoming, April 2020.
Kuilema, J., Schwander, L., Alford, K., Venema, R., & Hoeksema, S. (2019). Teaching note—Time for a teach-in? Addressing racist incidents on college campuses. Journal of Social Work Education, 1-7
VandenBerg, T. M., & Schwander, L. (2019). The long-term impact of a short-term study abroad program: Perspectives on global citizenship. Journal of Education and Learning, 8(4), 18-31
Schwander, L. M. (2018). The role of religion/faith in the lives of young adult refugees in West Michigan. Social Work and Christianity, 45(3), 113-128
Schwander, L. (2006). “Restoring urban communities”. Christian Reflection: A Series in Faith and Ethics, Cities and Towns. Baylor University Center for Christian Ethics, 89-93
Schwander, L. (February/March 2003). “The Social Impact of New Urbanism: Does It Really Matter”. West Michigan’s Residential Resource for New Construction. p. 24-25
Heffner, G., Zandee, G. & Schwander, L. (Fall 2002/Spring 2003). “Listening to community voices: Community–based research, a first step in partnership and outreach”. Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement. 8 (1), 127-140
Credentials, Certifications & Awards
College of Liberal Arts and Social Science Maroon Excellence in Teaching Award, 2021
Qualified Administrator (QA) - Intercultural Development Inventory
Licensed Masters of Social Work (LMSW)
Education
Ph.D. in Sociology (comprehensive exam areas - gender/intersections, migration, globalization), Michigan State University, 2014
Master of Social Work - Administration, Policy, and Planning, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, 1997
Bachelor's Degree with Honors in Sociology with a concentration in race, class and gender, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, 1988
Research Interests
Professor Schwander’s current research interest focuses on the use of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) as a tool for increasing cultural competency among social work majors.
Membership in Professional Organizations
Current Licenses/Certifications Held
Qualified Administrator (QA) - Intercultural Development Inventory
Licensed Masters of Social Work - LMSW
Courses Taught
Introduction to Social Work (SWK 100)
Social Welfare Policies and Services I & II (SWK 250 & 450WI)
Toolkit for Advocacy and Activism (ANT/SOC/SWK 318)
Human Behavior I & II (SWK 374 & 375)
Practicum and Professional Seminar (SWK 470, 471, 480 & 481)
