2023 Commencement

May 12, 2023 - Ceremony for Class of 2023 PhD, DSW, MSW and MSN

Apply Now - Master of Social Work

Fall 2023 Deadline: Full-Time - April 3

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.

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Omar Lopez
Email:  omarl@usc.edu
Phone:  +1 213.8213599
Rank:  Clinical Field
Department:  Children, Youth and Families

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.

Media Contact

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.

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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
2020 - For achieving recognition in the scientific community and addressing solutions to important social problems.
Champion of Children Award, Drew Child Development Corporation
2020
Award of Gratitude for Leadership and Guidance, USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School Social Work Latina/o Social Work Caucus
2017
Hutto Patterson Foundation Award for Distinguished Faculty, USC School of Social Work
2015 - For excellence in teaching, service to the university, the school, and the community.
Commencement Marshal, USC School of Social Work
2015
40 under 40 Award by San Diego Metro Magazine
2013 - Individuals with Bright Minds and Community Spirit.
Urban Leader Under 40 Award, Urban League of San Diego County
2012 - For the few who are proven leaders in their fields and gave their time and commitment empowering communities and changing lives.
Angel in Adoption Congressional Award
2011 - Awarded by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute in Washington D.C.
Appreciation Award as Faculty Advisor, USC School Social Work student Latina/o Caucus
2011
Appreciation Award, SDSU School of Social Work, Title IV-E Program
2010 - For exceptional service and commitment to the School and the County of San Diego.
Certificate of Appreciation by County of San Diego, HHSA
2009 - Outstanding Service, Devotion, Dedication, and Lasting Contributions from 2001 to 2009.
Teamwork and Collaboration for Valuable Contributions, County of San Diego, HHSA-South Region
2008
Shining Star Award as Inspirational Field Instructor, County of San Diego, HHSA-Child Welfare Services
2008
Recognition Award for Outstanding Service as President, SEIU Local 221, Social Welfare Chapter
2007
Certificate of Appreciation, SDSU School of Social Work, Title IV-E Program
2007 - for Leadership and Contributions Supporting the Education and Professional Development of All Social Work Students.
Teamwork and Collaboration Award, Child Welfare Services’ Director, County of San Diego, HHSA
2007
Appreciation Award for Dedication and Commitment, San Diego Latino Social Work Network, Inc.
2006

Languages

  • Spanish