Jennifer Erwin
Ph.D., University of Tennessee
M.S.W., University of Georgia
J.D., Cumberland School of Law, Samford University
Assistant Professor
1306B Peck Hall
618-650-5759
jeerwin@siue.edu
Teaching:
Macro social work practice
Policy
Research
Scholarship:
Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System
Criminal Justice Reform
Community-Based Behavioral Health Systems
Dr. Jennifer Erwin is beginning her sixth year at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) as an assistant professor in the Department of Social Work and her first year as BSW Program Director. Originally from Athens, Georgia, Dr. Erwin earned a BA in History and an MSW from the University of Georgia and is a passionate college football fan—Go Dawgs! She also holds a JD from Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama and a PhD in Social Work from the University of Tennessee.
Before returning to school for her PhD, Dr. Erwin gained diverse experience in social work, including roles as a job developer for low-income seniors with the Athens Community Council on Aging, a case manager for adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses on an Assertive Community Treatment team in Washington, DC, and a development assistant in fundraising and event planning at the same organization in DC.At SIUE, Dr. Erwin is actively involved with several campus groups, including the Faculty Senate, the Queer Faculty & Staff Association (QFSA), the Faculty Association, and the Safe Zone committee.
Her research interests center on two key areas: the intersection of social work and the criminal legal system and on issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community.Outside of academia, Dr. Erwin enjoys biking, gardening, reading, exploring new restaurants with friends, and spending time with her two dogs, Scout and Birdie.
