I joined the faculty at Widener University in 2004. I teach policy and community organization at the BSW, MSW, and PhD levels. Preparing students as generalist social workers involves helping students understand the multiplicity of roles that we as social workers must play to access necessary resources and seek change with and for our clients. My courses are designed to increase students' awareness of the intersections between direct micro-practice (the individuals in the communities) and macro-practice (the communities in which those clients live and the policies that determine the type and extent of services that are available to address the client's issues).
I focus on advocacy and commitment to social justice, assessment, working with diverse populations, and the use of technology, because I recognize that there will be many challenges that our students will face in the future. They will emerge out of college in the midst of a recession at a time when conservative pundits and ideologues are once again questioning the social work profession and undervaluing its contributions to society. It will be necessary for them to be active leaders in their communities and advocates for their clients. My vision for my students is that they see themselves as leaders capable of engaging any population. Through modeling, I seek to inspire them to be active contributors to the communities in which they live and work.
My courses demonstrate the social work values of partnering with clients, non-judgementalism, and valuing the uniqueness and capabilities of individuals. An assessment of strengths is an integral aspect of both my teaching and my practice. I believe that every person has inherent strengths and gifts that will allow them to contribute to society and address their own issues. For this reason, community partners are welcomed into the classroom to help design interventions, develop research protocols, and provide valuable insights regarding community dynamics.
I seek to inspire my students to take control of their own education, to become active participants in their own lives, and to be dedicated and committed to the eradication of social injustice.
Widener University’s work-study tutoring program, which supports Chester fourth graders, has been recognized for expansion by the Partnership for Student Success, highlighting its impact on student learning and academic achievement.
As a teen, I protested racism by skipping school on Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. Now that we recognize him with a federal holiday – and I’m an educator – I teach my Widener students about the joys of public service.
Widener is known and valued for its powerful inside track, and Widener’s professors are at its heart. Get to know seven professors from across the university and the alumni they mentored who exemplify the life-changing impact of the inside track.
As new and returning students arrived on campus, Widener celebrated the kick off the fall semester and the importance and impact of its community.
Marina Barnett, assistant provost for civic engagement, spoke about Widener's summer camp offerings for area students as Chester looks to keep youth safe.
Marina Barnett, associate professor and interim assistant provost for civic engagement, was recognized for her dedication to the community at Delaware County's first-ever Black History Month celebration.
Marina Barnett, interim assistant provost for civic engagement, authored this reflection on Martin Luther King Jr. in honor of his birthday, celebrated on Jan. 15.
Faculty recognized at the annual Faculty Awards are featured in two articles from the Delaware County Daily Times. This article highlights Stephen Kauffman, Alexis Nagengast, Dana Olanoff, Angie Corbo, Wes Leckrone, Jim Vike, Michael Toneff, and Janice Krumm.
A study completed by Marina Barnett, associate professor of social work and interim assistant provost for civic engagement, is referenced in this article. The study focused on gun violence in Chester, particularly as it relates to youth ages 11 - 24.
Widener University recently hosted the 2024 convening of Philadelphia-area higher education institutions that partner with The Jed Foundation (JED). Two administrators were among the presenters.
The daylong conference held in the University Center included a breakout session led by Larissa Gillespie, associate athletic director and senior woman administrator with Widener Athletics, and Marina Barnett, assistant provost for civic engagement and associate professor in the Center for Social Work Education. Their presentation, “Campus Collaboration to Create a Multi-Dimensional Holistic Approach to Support the ‘Whole’ Student-Athlete,” centered on the unique needs of college student athletes, and Widener’s strategy for fostering a universal sense of care and support for them.
The JED Foundation was created in 2000 to protect emotional health and prevent suicide among teens and young adults. It has grown to be the nation’s leading organization dedicated to young adult mental health, and counts lowering suicide risk and substance misuse as central to its mission. Widener became affiliated with JED in 2023.
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Marina Barnett, assistant provost for civic engagement and associate professor of social work, is the recipient of the Program Leadership award from the National Partnership for Student Success (NPSS) Higher Education Coalition for her outstanding commitment and engagement since joining the coalition.
Barnett is recognized for her commitment to designing and implementing meaningful civic engagement services for students at Widener, and implementation of programs which aim to help both students, and the community, to thrive. The award was announced at the coalition’s 2024 summit and was presented by the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education.
The NPSS Higher Education Coalition is a group of colleges and universities working to support their communities by placing more college students in high-impact jobs or volunteer positions.
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/faculty-recognized-npss-outstanding-program-leadership
Associate Professor of social work Marina Barnett has been awarded the Legion of Honor Award from the Chapel of Four Chaplains for her commitment to, and continued work with, the Chester community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Legion of Honor Award is one of the highest honors given by the Chapel of Four Chaplains. It is awarded in recognition of exceptional selfless service on the part of an individual which contributes to the well-being of his or her community, and to a spirit of interfaith cooperation.