Gretchen Bean

Gretchen Bean serves as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of New Hampshire’s College of Health and Human Services. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire. Her expertise focuses on community engagement, macro social work practice, and issues related to housing stability, homelessness, and youth development. She has been recognized for her contributions to curriculum sustainability and teaching excellence. Beyond academia, Ms. Bean is actively involved in nonprofit governance, serving as President of the Board for the NH Coalition to End Homelessness and as a volunteer site visitor with the Council for Social Work Education.

Ms. Bean’s teaching portfolio includes courses such as Human Behavior and Social Environment, Housing and Homelessness, and Study Abroad: Comparative Social Welfare Systems. She has contributed to research initiatives on adolescent development, suicide prevention program evaluation, and financial aid/mental health access for formerly placed students. She has secured funding through three grants (2005–2010) and collaborates with colleagues like Dr. Melissa Wells and Dr. Patrick Shannon on interdisciplinary projects.

Her professional service includes board leadership and advocacy roles aimed at addressing systemic social challenges. She maintains an office in Pettee Hall, Durham, NH, and is reachable via email or phone at (603) 862-4551.