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Brent A. Satterly, PhD, MSS, LCSW, CSE, CST

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Affiliated Programs

Education

  • PhD, Human Sexuality Education (2004)
    University of Pennsylvania (PA)
  • MSS, Social Work (1995)
    Bryn Mawr College (PA)

About Me

My approach to teaching is best described as embracing an existentialist and social reconstructivist perspective, emphasizing respect for what each student brings to the classroom and students’ responsibility for their own learning. I employ experiential learning through the use of multiple interactive methods. These methods attempt to maximize learning potential, cater to disparate learning styles, and connect theory to practice. In my teaching at Widener, these methods have resulted in positive outcomes as measured by student course evaluations and verbal feedback.   

I received my doctorate in education (human sexuality specialization with distinction) at the University of Pennsylvania in spring 2004. Much of my doctoral training focused on educational methods, particularly experiential learning, also known as active teaching, and maximizing student development in multiple domains while respecting that students learn differently.

Research Interests

I currently have three primary areas of ongoing research for publication and scholarship. These include: (1) sexual minority professional identity and development; (2) social work and human sexuality pedagogies; and (3) social work and human sexuality textbook efficacy.   

As an offshoot from my dissertation, the professional development of sexual minorities in the field of social work continues to interest me greatly. My dissertation raised numerous questions about the role of oppression, social identity, and organizational culture as well as how these factors, among others, influence sexual minorities pursuing graduate level education and beyond. As a result, I continue to explore identity management within the context of applications to therapists and educators.   

In light of my approach to pedagogy as an experiential educator, my respective fields of social work and human sexuality, and the institutional support of experiential learning in Widener University’s Strategic Plan. I am also passionate about studying the art and science of teaching.   
Finally, I have recently co-authored a textbook book on sexuality and social work to be employed within the context of both social work and human sexuality classrooms. Analyzing the efficacy of the text will be a focus for some years ahead.

Media Expertise

  • Human sexuality
  • Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender issues (GLBT)
  • Clinical care with survivors of childhood sexual abuse, HIV/AIDS, families of divorce, and alternative family systems
  • Undergraduate social work program development
  • Self-disclosure and professional identity management in social work
  • Professional identity management
  • Therapeutic relationships
  • Experiential education and efficacy of experiential education
  • Human sexuality education
  • Faculty governance
  • GLBT training with social work; suicide prevention

Publications

  • Satterly, B. A. (2021). Sex-positive social work: A review. Journal of Teaching in Social Work. 41(1), 94-95, DOI: 10.1080/08841233.2021.1837557
  • Satterly, B. A., & Ingersoll, T. S. (2020). Sexuality concepts for social workers (2nd ed.). San Diego: Cognella.
  • Satterly, B. A., Cullen, J., & Dyson, D. A. (2018). The Intergenerational Mentoring Model: An  alternative to traditional and reverse models of mentoring. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 26(4), 441-454. DOI: 10.1080/13611267.2018.1530172 
  • Turner, G., Vernacchio, A., & Satterly, B. A. (2018). Sexual justice is social justice: An activity  to expand social work students understanding of sexual rights and injustices. Journal of  Teaching in Social Work, 38(5). 504-521. DOI: 10.1080/08841233.2018.1523825 
  • Ingersoll, T. S., & Satterly, B. A. (2016). Sexuality concepts for social workers. San Diego, CA: Cognella.
  • Satterly, B.A. (2007). The alternative lenses of assessment: Educating social workers about psychopathology. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 27(3/4), 241–257.
  • Satterly, B.A. (2007). The intention and reflection model of self-disclosure: Social work education for gay male student identity management. Journal of Social Work Education, 43(2), 187–204.

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD); Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)

Awards

  • The Schiller Prize, AASECT
  • The Clarence R. Moll Professor of the Year Award, Widener University
  • Phi Alpha, Widener University, Honorary Inductee

News

In the Media

  • Delco Today

    Widener University Honors Brent Satterly, Recipient of Wollman Award for Inclusion

    Professor Brent Satterly was honored with the 2025 Julie E. Wollman Endowed Award for Inclusion and Belonging. This award recognizes a Widener employee who engages in advocacy and efforts in support of inclusion and belonging, demonstrates an exceptionally high level of commitment to those principles, and works to enhance the success of underrepresented groups at the university.

  • Wellsboro Gazette

    TCI holds annual Pride celebration, drag show

    Brent Satterly, professor of social work, performed in his hometown at the Tioga County Pride celebrations drag show. After his performance, Satterly reflected on how the town has changed and offered words of encouragement and support to the crowd.

  • Muggle Net

    “Potterversity” Episode 50: “Teaching, the Hogwarts Way”

    Brent Satterly, professor of social work, is a featured guest on this podcast connecting Harry Potter and teaching. Satterly contributed a chapter to the book Potterversity: Essays Exploring the World of Harry Potter, and discusses how the Harry Potter series can intertwine with the real-world teaching of students.