Omar López
Teaching Professor, Practicum Education and Assistant Dean, Recruitment and Workforce Development
Specializes in the administration of grant-funded initiatives with a focus on workforce development programs that train MSW students.
Omar López
Teaching Professor, Practicum Education and Assistant Dean, Recruitment and Workforce Development
Specializes in the administration of grant-funded initiatives with a focus on workforce development programs that train MSW students.
Biography
Omar López is a teaching professor of practicum education, receiving a faculty appointment at USC in 2010. He held the inaugural administrative appointment of vice-chair for practicum education in the Department of Children, Youth, and Families from 2014-2018. He holds an administrative appointment as assistant dean of workforce recruitment and development, leading a team that manages and implements initiatives funded by federal, state and local dollars. These programs have been awarded $25.47 million in funding from 2014 to date (2022) with over $14.49 million allocated to 785 MSW students in stipends and scholarships ranging from $4,000 to $37,000. The programs offer curriculum and training that prepares students to pursue careers in public child welfare, public mental health, integrative behavioral health and geriatrics.
Professor López is PI of an international project that is seeking to improve the child protection system in El Salvador and a co-investigator of two additional grant-funded projects exceeding $13 million. He has received two distinguished faculty awards, one for achieving recognition in the scientific community while addressing solutions to important social problems and the other for excellence in teaching and outstanding service to the university, the school and the community.
Professor López is a former undocumented immigrant from Mexico with professional experience in the field of immigration, where he has applied his expertise to a number of initiatives including a global immersion program (Pathways to Immigration) designed to increase understanding of the causes and dynamics of immigration. This course included a migratory journey in reverse from Los Angeles to San Diego, Baja California, Mexico City, Puebla City ending in Coatzingo, a migrant-sending community in central Mexico.
Professor López has been faculty advisor to the school's Latinx and International Social Work student caucuses as he continues to support all students with an emphasis on those from underrepresented communities. López previously shared responsibilities for San Diego Academic Center practicum education activities, and was the lead in the development of the Community Organization, Planning and Administration (COPA) concentration and nontraditional social work internships in San Diego. In addition to the Pathways to Immigration course, Professor López has also taught integrative practicum education seminars, leadership, stipend seminars, and a national immersion to Washington D.C. focused on child development and social policy. He is completing a doctorate of education in higher education administration at USC.
Professor López is a boxing instructor/coach, certified by USA Boxing, who also competes as an amateur under the nickname of “El Profe” in the masters division. He has won several tournaments as a welterweight and middleweight, including a national championship. Boxing provides a platform to practice self-care while he pursues the love of teaching and supporting others to achieve personal goals.
Media
Education
University of Southern California
EdD 2022
San Diego State University
MSW 2001
University of California, San Diego
BA 1999
Area of Expertise
- Advocacy
- Social Services for Families
- Workforce Development Initiatives
- Immigration
- Social Work
- Child Welfare Issues
- Macro Social Work
- Social Work Education
- Higher Education Administration
Industry Experience
- Training and Development
- International Affairs
- Employment Services
- Education/Learning
- Social Services
- Program Development
- Government Relations
- Professional Training and Coaching
Grand Challenges
Accomplishments
Sterling C. Franklin Award for Distinguished Faculty, USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
Champion of Children Award, Drew Child Development Corporation
Award of Gratitude for Leadership and Guidance, USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School Social Work Latina/o Social Work Caucus
Hutto Patterson Foundation Award for Distinguished Faculty, USC School of Social Work
Commencement Marshal, USC School of Social Work
40 under 40 Award by San Diego Metro Magazine
Urban Leader Under 40 Award, Urban League of San Diego County
Angel in Adoption Congressional Award
Appreciation Award as Faculty Advisor, USC School Social Work student Latina/o Caucus
Appreciation Award, SDSU School of Social Work, Title IV-E Program
Certificate of Appreciation by County of San Diego, HHSA
Teamwork and Collaboration for Valuable Contributions, County of San Diego, HHSA-South Region
Shining Star Award as Inspirational Field Instructor, County of San Diego, HHSA-Child Welfare Services
Recognition Award for Outstanding Service as President, SEIU Local 221, Social Welfare Chapter
Certificate of Appreciation, SDSU School of Social Work, Title IV-E Program
Teamwork and Collaboration Award, Child Welfare Services’ Director, County of San Diego, HHSA
Appreciation Award for Dedication and Commitment, San Diego Latino Social Work Network, Inc.
Languages
- Spanish