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Facundo Valdez
School of Social Work Special Projects

CESW
NASWSI
SWEEP-Raíces
Practicum Education Program

Falcundo Valdez School of Social Work

Special Projects

The Facundo Valdez School of Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University enriches student experiences through four distinct special projects. These initiatives include the Center for Excellence in Social Work (CESW), which drives innovative practices in the field; SWEEP-Raíces, supporting the advancement of Hispanic/Latino and underserved students; the Practicum Field Program providing immersive, real-world experience; and the Native American Social Work Studies Institute (NASWSI), dedicated to developing programs that respect the sovereign rights of tribal communities and address their unique social challenges

Center for Excellence in Social Work

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SWEEP-Raíces

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Practicum Education Program

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Native American Social Work Studies Institute

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About

About the Facundo Valdez School of Social Work

The professional social worker makes a difference in improving the lives of others. NMHU’s focus on multicultural practice provides a deep understanding of cultural and ethnic differences and the way they influence the social worker’s role.

New Mexico Highlands University’s B.S.W. program was first accredited by the Council on Social Work Education in 1974. Our curriculum prepares students for entry-level generalist practice.

NMHU’s alumni are successfully working in a variety of settings: mental health and health care, substance abuse programs, schools, child welfare, hospice, gerontology and many other fields of practice. 448 hours of field practicum in social work is required during the senior year. This experience lets students gain direct work experience with a specific target population, while integrating and applying their classroom knowledge.

Students who achieve high academic standards are eligible to apply to the school’s advanced standing M.S.W. honors program, which allows completion of the M.S.W. degree in two to three academic semesters.

Featured

Our Alumni

Mariela Ruiz-Angel

Mariela Ruiz-Angel

Alumni

Mariela Ruiz-Angel is an experienced leader in community safety and alternative first response initiatives, with a strong background in policy development, technical assistance, and advocacy. As the Director of Alternative Response Initiatives at Georgetown Law’s Center for Innovations in Community Safety (CICS), she has led the strategic development of innovative public safety programs, secured funding for alternative response efforts, and helps represent CICS in media and at major events.

Her prior roles include Associate Chief Administrative Officer and Director of the Community Safety Department for the City of Albuquerque, where she managed city operations, led significant public safety initiatives, and founded the nation’s first and largest Alternative First Response department.

Mariela holds a Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Leadership and Administration and an MBA in Human Resources from New Mexico Highlands University. Her expertise is further complemented by her bilingual proficiency in Spanish and a commitment to fostering systemic change in public safety and community well-being.

Continuing Education Units

All Trainings & Events

Explore our comprehensive calendar of events spanning all special projects at the Facundo Valdez School of Social Work. This calendar includes activities and initiatives from CESW, SWEEP-Raíces, Practicum Education Program, and NASWSI, providing opportunities for engagement, learning, and community collaboration.

Calendar of Events

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[NASWSI] Conducting Home Visits: Safety Assessment Approaches and Tools for Tribal Social Workers

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[NASWSI] Tribal Community Mapping Systems: A Tool for Safety and Wellbeing

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