Health Sciences Bldg Rm C3139
2631 E Discovery Pkwy
Bloomington, IN 47401
2631 E Discovery Pkwy
Bloomington, IN 47401
Professional Summary & Teaching Philosophy
I recently transitioned to the role of Clinical Assistant Professor. My career is deeply rooted in child welfare and case management. My teaching philosophy emphasizes practical application and logical structure. This approach bridges classroom theory with daily clinical practice.
I focus on preparing social workers through robust field education. I provide supportive mentorship and locate various practicum sites. I also maintain a strong history of supervising clinical experiences. I serve on the BSW, MSW, and structural practicum committees.
These committee roles help coordinate policies and innovate the curriculum. This work furthers the advancement of field education.
Program Leadership & Community Service
Since 2016, I have coordinated the Child Abuse and Neglect Certificate. I oversee admissions and manage enrollment growth for this program. I also lead strategic outreach initiatives and foster public agency partnerships.
I lead the "Preparing for Success" program for Indiana DCS. Participants describe this onboarding initiative as vital for professional well-being. This program supports the next generation of child welfare workers.
I also organize YMCA leadership initiatives focused on interpersonal barriers. These specific efforts foster student participation and provide collaborative support.
Scholarly Work & Faculty Collaboration
My scholarly work examines strategies to strengthen the child welfare workforce. These findings directly improve curriculum, retention, and recruitment efforts. My research is reflected in recent publications and regional presentations. In all professional endeavors, I prioritize objective service and fair treatment.
I actively represent the school on the Faculty Council. I mentor fellow faculty members by sharing digital course content. My collaborative efforts focus on vital accessibility improvements. These improvements ensure a variety of perspectives remain readily available.
Through curriculum committee service, I contribute to high academic standards. This work promotes equal access and fair resource distribution. I remain deeply committed to comprehensive engagement within the school.
Academic & Professional Portfolio
- Clinical Assistant Professor
Indiana University Indianapolis, School of Social Work — 2024 – 2027 - Academic Specialist
Indiana University Indianapolis, School of Social Work — 2016 – 2024
- Undoing Racism
People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond — 2012 – Present - Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
Critical Incident Stress Management International — 2014 – Present - Master Facilitator and Mentor for Permanency Round Tables
Casey Family Programs — 2007 – Present - Leadership Academy Graduate
National Child Welfare Workforce Institute — 2007 – Present - Annual Program Meeting
Council on Social Work Education — 2016
- National Child Welfare Workforce Institute Conference
National conference participation — 2016 - BSW and MSW Scholar Graduates Reception
State event participation — 2016 - NASW
2016 – Present - CSWE
2016 – Present
Field Experience and Practicum
- Social Work Practicum I (SWK-D 555)
Indiana University School of Social Work — Course instruction - Case Management Field Experience (SWK-S 281)
Indiana University School of Social Work — Course instruction - Social Work Practicum (SWK-S 481, SWK-S 482, SWK-S 632, SWK-S 633)
Indiana University School of Social Work — Course instruction
Core Curriculum
- Selected Topics in Human Welfare (SWK-S 180)
Indiana University School of Social Work — Course instruction - Introduction to Case Management (SWK-S 201)
Indiana University School of Social Work — Course instruction - Introduction to Child Protection (SWK-S 305)
Indiana University School of Social Work — Course instruction
| Course # | Short Title | Format | Role | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWK-S 180 | Selected Topics in Human Welfare | Online | Instructor | Fall 2025 |
| SWK-S 180 | Selected Topics in Human Welfare | Online | Instructor | Spring 2025 |
| SWK-S 180 | Selected Topics in Human Welfare | Online | Instructor | Fall 2024 |
| SWK-S 180 | Selected Topics in Human Welfare | Online | Instructor | Spring 2024 |
| Course # | Short Title | Format | Role | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWK-D 555 | Social Work Practicum I | Internship | Instructor | Summer 2024 |
| Course # | Short Title | Format | Role | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWK-S 201 | Introduction to Case Management | Classroom | Instructor | Fall 2023 |
| SWK-S 180 | Selected Topics in Human Welfare | Classroom | Instructor | Fall 2023 |
| SWK-S 180 | Selected Topics in Human Welfare | Classroom | Instructor | Spring 2023 |
| SWK-S 201 | Introduction to Case Management | Classroom | Instructor | Fall 2022 |
| SWK-S 180 | Selected Topics in Human Welfare | Classroom | Instructor | Fall 2022 |
| SWK-D 555 | Social Work Practicum I | Internship | Instructor | Summer 2022 |
| SWK-S 180 | Selected Topics in Human Welfare | Classroom | Instructor | Spring 2022 |
| SWK-S 180 | Selected Topics in Human Welfare | Classroom | Instructor | Fall 2021 |
| SWK-S 201 | Introduction to Case Management | Classroom | Instructor | Fall 2021 |
- Programmatic Curriculum Governance
Major curriculum revision, reviewer and committee member — 2025 – 2026
Invited
- Howes, P., Pierce, B., & Hawk, W. (2018). Non-social work majors in a child welfare certificate program: Options for agencies. Annual Program Meeting.
Other
- Pierce, B., Howes, P., & Hawk, W. (2018). Non-social work majors in a child welfare certificate program: Options for agencies. 64th Annual Program Meeting.
Refereed
- Pierce, B., Howes, P., Thompson, L., Park, T., & Klemme, P. (2022). Implementation of curriculum, retention, and recruitment strategies within a strong university–agency partnership. In University–Agency Partnership Strategies and Structures: Lessons Learned from Public and Tribal Child Welfare and University Programs.
- Pierce, B., Thompson, L., Klemme, P., Park, T., Howes, P., & Hawk, W. (2021). Implementation of curriculum, retention, and recruitment strategies within a strong university–agency partnership. In Strategic Child Welfare Agency–University Partnerships to Advance Workforce Development. CWLA Press.
Service (Refereed)
- Pierce, B., Howes, P., Patchner, M., Hawk, W., Klemme, P., Park, T., & Thompson, L. (2022). Implementation of curriculum, retention, and recruitment strategies within a strong university–agency partnership. In Strategic Child Welfare Agency–University Partnerships to Advance Workforce Development (pp. 303–321). Child Welfare League of America.
Non-Refereed
- Pierce, B., Howes, P., Hawk, W., Klemme, P., & Thompson, L. (2022). Implementation of curriculum, retention, and recruitment strategies within a strong university–agency partnership. In Strategic Child Welfare Agency–University Partnerships to Advance Workforce Development. Child Welfare League of America.
University Service
- MSW Curriculum Committee — Member
Indiana University School of Social Work — 2025 – Present - IUSSW MSW and BSW Practicum Coordinator System-Wide Committees — Member
Indiana University School of Social Work — 2024 – Present - IUSSW System-Wide Practicum Committee — Member
Indiana University School of Social Work — 2024 – Present - BSW and MSW Indianapolis Practicum Committees — Member
Indiana University School of Social Work — 2024 – Present - University Faculty Council — Member
Indiana University — 2023 – Present - Faculty Senate — Member
Indiana University School of Social Work — 2016 – Present - Search and Screen Committee for Clinical Professor — Member
Indiana University School of Social Work — 2022 - Search and Screen Committee for Director of Career Services — Member
Indiana University School of Social Work — 2019 - BSW Applicant Reviewer — Member
Indiana University School of Social Work — 2019 – 2024 - Coordinator for the Child Abuse and Neglect Certificate — Ex-Officio
Indiana University School of Social Work — 2016 – 2024 - Academic Advising — Student Advisor and Mentor
Indiana University School of Social Work — 2016 – 2024 - Review Committee for Program Coordinator Selection — Member
Indiana University School of Social Work — 2016 - BSW Curriculum Committee — Member
Indiana University School of Social Work — 2016 – Present - IUSSW Annual Statewide Recruitment Conference — Member
Indiana University School of Social Work — 2016 - Community and Belonging Council (Broad Representation Committee) — Member
Indiana University School of Social Work — 2016 – Present - Course Mentoring: S201, S180, and Child Abuse and Neglect Certificate
Indiana University School of Social Work — 2024 – 2026
Professional and State Service
- Preparing for Success — Organizer and Leader
Indiana Department of Child Services — 2017 – 2024 - YMCA De-escalation and Broad Representation Training — Organizer
YMCA — 2023 - BSW Scholar Retreat — Guest Speaker
Indiana University School of Social Work — 2016 - Indiana Child Welfare Leadership Conference — Participant
Indiana — 2016