Associate Professor of Social Work
School of Social Work
Office Location: Alumni Hall 117
Telephone: 630-844-4238
Email: dphelps@aurora.edu
Dr. Phelps received his Ph.D. in 1997 from the University of Illinois with an emphasis in social policy analysis and administration. He also studied at the George Williams College-School of Social Work at Aurora University where he completed my Master of Social Work degree in 1990, focusing on youth and family therapy. He is a licensed clinical social worker.
Dr. Phelps is an associate professor in the School of Social Work at Aurora University. During his sabbatical in spring 2011 he provided clinical training, consultation and direct services at the “Casa Hogar Los Angelitos” orphanage in Manzanillo, Mexico. In 2010, Dr. Phelps received the Aurora University John McKee Citizenship Award for his community service and commitment to the university values of integrity, citizenship, continuous learning and excellence. He received the Social Worker of the Year Award in 2007 by the National Association of Social Workers Three Rivers District and received the Aurora University Marcus and Mark Trumbo Excellence in Teaching Award in 2003. In the fall of 2002, he was a NASW delegate to Durban, South Africa. During the last 25 years Dr. Phelps has worked as a professor, youth and family therapist, clinical director, chief operating officer, and executive director. He currently serves on the board of directors of The Center for Faith and Human Rights and The Bridge Interfaith Youth Center.
Education
Ph.D. - University of Illinois, 1997
M.S. W. - Aurora University, 1990
B.S. - Northern Illinois University, 1985
Licensure
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Doctoral Level
Illinois Department of Professional Regulation
Areas of Specialization and Research
International social work
Social entrepreneurship and development
Nonprofit management
Social Policy Analysis
Spirituality and social work
Adolescent and family treatment
Organizational change and development
Courses Taught
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment
SWK Practice II: Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations
Social Work Practice with Groups
Social Welfare Policy and Institutions
Advanced Macro Practice
Spirituality and Social Work
Drugs and Human Behavior
Wellness and Social Responsibility
Honors and Professional Contributions
Aurora University John McKee Citizenship Award for community service in 2010
Social Worker of the Year Award in 2007 - National Association of Social Workers Three Rivers District
Aurora University Marcus and Mark Trumbo Excellence in Teaching Award in 2003
Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society
Board of Directors – Center for Faith and Human Rights
Board of Directors – The Bridge Interfaith Youth Center
National Association of Social Work
National Network for Social Work Managers
Inter-University Consortium for International Social Development
Association for Community Organization and Social Administration
Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors
Council on Social Work Education
Society for Spirituality and Social Work
North American Association of Christians in Social Work
Highlights of Campus Involvement
Faculty Ombudsperson
Faculty Dispute Resolution Committee
Faculty Affairs Committee
Community Service and Development
Harvesting Hope Program for Children at Hesed House Homeless Shelter in Aurora. Over 70 Aurora University students have had unique service learning and internship experiences as a result of this project. The program has served over 100 children since it began in July of 2007.
Other Interests
Playing guitar
Reading
Spending time with my family
Traveling
Men's ministries
