Stephen W. Stoeffler

Stephen W. Stoeffler serves as Professor in the Department of Social Work within Kutztown University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, bringing extensive experience from prior academic appointments at Widener University, Temple University, West Chester University, and The University of Valley Forge. His career bridges macro-oriented social work practice and education, with direct field experience in child welfare, probation and parole, older adult protective services, and family homelessness.

His educational foundation includes a Ph.D. in Social Work from Widener University, an MSW from Temple University, and a BSW from Shippensburg University.

• Ph.D. in Social Work, Widener University
• MSW, Temple University
• BSW, Shippensburg University

Dr. Stoeffler's research critically examines structural poverty, racism, and housing insecurity through intersectional frameworks. His work consistently advocates for community empowerment and integrates spirituality with social justice, challenging individualistic explanations of poverty while promoting macro-level interventions. He champions the integration of poverty curriculum across social work education and explores professional identity formation within the discipline.

His publication trajectory (2015-2024) reveals a methodical progression from foundational poverty theory toward contemporary analyses of environmental racism and structural homelessness. Recent work increasingly employs systematic reviews and critical analyses to expose systemic failures while proposing community-centered solutions, with growing emphasis on environmental justice and intersectional oppression.

Professional engagement spans national leadership and community action:

• Macro Curricular Guide National Task Force Work Group Member
• Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative/Board Member, ACOSA
• Special Commission to Advance Macro Practice in Social Work
• Mayor's Commission to Combat Poverty (Lancaster, PA)
• Advisory Board, Lancaster Bible College Social Work Program
• Reviewer for Journal of Community Practice, Families in Society, and 5 additional journals

His community impact extends through roles as Resource Parent Pre-Service Trainer for COBYS Family Services and Advisory Board Member for Hope Inspire Love, demonstrating commitment to translating theory into community-based practice. Current work focuses on structural solutions to poverty through policy advocacy and curriculum transformation.