New Faculty Profile

Regina Tracy
(Assistant Professor, School of Social Work)

A brief review of your area of expertise, research and teaching.

My areas of expertise include case management, gerontology, community mental health and research methodology. My dissertation focused on the characteristics of non-familial caregivers and how these characteristics impact upon positive symptom manifestation in those diagnosed with schizophrenia. In my capacity as an adjunct faculty member at the School of Social Work for 14 years, I have taught classes in research and statistics, social policy and foundation practice.

For the past two years I have been working with the Village of Garden City to understand and better address the needs of its rapidly growing senior population. In 2002, I was the project director of the Village of Garden City Senior Needs Assessment Project. This descriptive research study identified the needs of the seniors residing in the Village, what services are available to meet those needs and what gaps in service delivery currently exist. This study raised many questions about the biopsychosocial variables that impact upon social involvement in the elderly, which is the focus of my current research.

Why did you come to Adelphi?

Actually, I am not a new member of the Adelphi community. I have been an adjunct faculty member of the Adelphi School of Social Work since 1989. Just prior to my position as assistant professor, I was promoted to that of senior adjunct faculty. I was also once a student at Adelphi's School of Social Work. I received my MSW in 1987 and my DSW in 1997. As you can see, my commitment to Adelphi is deeply embedded and goes back a long way. What impresses me most about Adelphi is its commitment to its students and faculty. Adelphi affords its faculty the support and opportunities to take the risks necessary for personal and professional growth, something not readily available at other places of employment. The high regard of the University within the academic arena, and the sharp increase in student enrollment, has also influenced my decision to leave my position in the federal government for a full time position at Adelphi. Adelphi offered me the opportunity to pursue scholarly endeavors that my previous position in the federal government did not allow.

It's a great feeling to be able to work full-time at a school that is growing and is model for social work education.

What has been your experience so far?

I love it here! I always have! The faculty, staff and University administration are exceptional in every way. Everyone is warm, supportive and, most of all, very helpful. At Adelphi you really feel like a recognized and respected "family" member. I am looking forward to my continued work with everyone. The students are greatest. They are motivated, diverse and excited about their educational experience at Adelphi. I really enjoy sharing my knowledge with them, engaging in discussions and ultimately contribute to their development as competent social workers. Last, but not least, working with the Village of Garden City Administration and community has been tremendously fulfilling. The Village has been so gracious in welcoming me as an "honorary" citizen of their community. I am very excited and enthusiastic about my ongoing work with the Village.

What do you wish to contribute? What do you feel strongly about in regards to teaching or your specialization?

At the moment, my effort at the School of Social Work is to expand the knowledge base of social work practice with the elderly. Traditionally, social work practice with the elderly has targeted those with limited resources. However, the most important finding of the Garden City Project is that the needs of the elderly cross all economic lines. While this finding opens the door to a wealth of research opportunities, specifically my interest is to acquire a better understanding of the biopsychosocial antecedents of social involvement in the elderly who reside in upper middle class communities. My commitment to the development of evidence based social work practice models will make available opportunities for my students to engage in gerontological research. I am hopeful these opportunities will stimulate a desire in students to enter gerontological social work practice upon graduation…an area of social work that, traditionally, has generated little interest among students.

What do you wish to impart to your students?

I have a real passion for teaching and to the social work profession. What combination could be better? In my work with the students I want to impart that learning is the most enjoyable, stimulating, creative, and fulfilling experience they will ever be afforded. I want my students to develop into competent social workers who will question what they hear, self reflect on what they believe, and be open to the acquisition of new knowledge and ideas……. and love doing it!!