Alumni Spotlight: Vinnie Roehr, M.S.W.
Alumni Spotlight: Vinnie Roehr
M.S.W. 2018
After completing his BSSW, Vinnie Roehr moved home to the Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation and started working in child welfare. Soon after, he entered the University of North Dakota’s Master’s in Social Work program as a NCWWI (National Child Welfare Workforce Initiative) Scholar.
“I worked full time during this process, but through school, friends, advisors, and mentors, I was able to grow professionally and to advocate for my community,” shares Roehr. He says that UND has shaped and molded a path for him to take on challenges, develop partnerships, and prepare for the future.
As a student and then as an MSW graduate, he has had opportunities to lead, teach, advise, collaborate, and learn. He eventually became a Director of a Child Safety Center. “I teach human services classes at the local tribal community college,” says Roehr.
He was invited to sit as a Board Director in the local county Human Service Zone, and in 2019 was appointed by North Dakota’s Governor Burgum to sit as the only Tribal Representative Board Director with the newly formed Children’s Cabinet.
Most recently, he was taking on the newest challenge as the Senior Director of Indian Child Welfare with the Casey Family Programs team.
The M.S.W. Program offers an advanced generalist curriculum that prepares students to practice competently in a variety of settings and across practice levels. The program is now accepting applications.
On campus in Gillette Hall, the Social Work department features outstanding Alumni as part of the Celebration Wall. To further tell the story of our alumni, the College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines are featuring these Social Work Alumni Spotlights on the blog and social media to showcase our outstanding alumni who are succeeding in their careers and are proud of their educational experience at the University of North Dakota. Nominate or share your alumni story for a future alumni spotlight story.
Comments
So proud to have worked with Vinnie. I knew you would achieve great things. I loved your level-headed way of handling things. You were always seeking a way to improve things, processes and very compassionate about your work. You were empathetic toward others and looked at creative ways to work with families, without degrading them. You wanted your own history in working with families, yet keeping in mind what didn’t work in the past. I admired that. Glad to call you friend. Take care and good luck in your adventures. You will continue to great things in life, personally and professionally.
You are deserving of recognition. You are a positive influence in every arena you serve. Thank you for your great work with children and families. I enjoyed our adventures in wraparound. Best wishes in your journey.
Comments are closed.