PhD in Social Work: Meet Dr. Bonni Goodwin
Dr. Bonni Goodwin graduated from the PhD in Social Work program in 2020 and is currently working as an Assistant Professor at the University of Oklahoma.
Dissertation title
"A Study of US Adoption Breakdown: Exploring Current Factors Associated with Breakdown and Challenging Times in Adoption Adjustment"
What was your primary motivation for pursuing a PhD in Social Work?
I wanted to gain in research and evaluation skills and practice to seek answers for gaps I saw in practice - mental health response for children and families in foster care and adoption. I chose the Garland School of Social Work due to the warmness and openness of the faculty and the inclusion of faith and practice in the program.
What aspects of the Garland School’s PhD program were most impactful to you?
Faculty, curriculum, my cohort members.
How did the faculty support you throughout your journey?
Open, generous with time and care for me both personally and professionally, encouraging, supportive, and challenged me appropriately.
How would you describe the sense of community within the program?
Excellent community - most life-giving I've been a part of in my educational experience. I have lifelong friendships from my cohort.
What did you gain from the program that you find most valuable in your career?
Research, program evaluation, and dedication.
How did the program prepare you for your current role?
All - teaching, research, macro policy work.
How has your PhD influenced your career path or professional opportunities?
Having my PhD has unlocked doors to conversations at state, national, and international levels that are critical and important to my work in foster care and adoption.
How did the PhD program challenge you to grow?
It took dedication and focus to keep up and finish my coursework and dissertation. It was the hardest thing I've done, but the most meaningful to me (besides being a parent lol).
What long-term impact do you hope to make in the field, and how might your PhD help you achieve that vision?
I hope to develop a theory of adoption adjustment throughout the lifespan that will impact societal narratives about adoption, support adoptee perspectives, and impact expectations of parents and professionals of what adoption means for a child and family.
Would you recommend the Garland School of Social Work PhD program to prospective students?
Yes! Faculty is amazing and the program is challenging, but life-giving.
What advice would you give to someone considering the program?
Make sure you know your why and don't give up.