I am happy to announce that Tozi Gutierrez (she, her, ella), Ph.D., has been hired as the new MSW Program Director in the School of Social Work at Portland State University beginning July 15, 2022.
Dr. Gutierrez is a native Oregonian from the rural community of Independence, Oregon. Since 2014, Dr. Gutierrez has been a faculty member and administrator at Texas State University School of Social Work. Dr. Gutierrez is a public servant, educator, facilitator, and SOCIAL justice WORKer. Her academic interests include administration and leadership development, online social work education and student engagement, culturally responsive teaching, social change, and Latine communities. She facilitates trainings on organizational operations and leadership, teaching and learning in Hispanic Serving Institutions, and strategies for inclusive culture and climate. Dr. Gutierrez has experience as a Director of Social Work Field Education, BSW and MSW programming, as well as, teaching across the macro social work curriculum in undergraduate and graduate programs. Dr. Gutierrez earned her Ph.D. in leadership studies from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. She also has a MSSW from the University of Texas at Arlington and B.A. in Psychology from Western Oregon State University. Dr. Gutierrez is committed to engaging people from diverse identities and backgrounds towards creating a positive learning community where students thrive. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Gutierrez worked in leadership positions with nonprofit and government sectors in Texas and with Services to Children and Families in Oregon.
In her spare time, Dr. Gutierrez enjoys disconnecting from human demands by engaging in spiritual experiences, traveling, music, dancing, laughing until it hurts, and a good workout!
Special thanks to our search committee: Stephanie Wahab & Eddie May, Search Co-Chairs, Lisa Hawash, Thet Mar Win, Julie Kates, Consuelo Nerio, EPIC & Student Member, Brian Myers, Search Advocate, Taylor Geyton and search coordinator, John Barnett.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Gutierrez to her new role as MSW Program Director in the School of Social Work!
Jose E. Coll, MSW Ph.D.
Dean & Professor
School of Social Work
Portland State University