Jacob Eikenberry

Jacob Eikenberry is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at Colorado Mesa University, where he teaches Advanced Macro Social Work Practice and Human Behavior in the Social Environment, and supervises foundation practicum students. He is also a PhD candidate in the School of Social Work at St. Louis University.

Education:

• PhD Candidate, Social Work, St. Louis University
• MSW, Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis
• BA, Psychology, University of Illinois at Springfield

Eikenberry's research and teaching are deeply rooted in social justice, equity, and lived experience. His work focuses on macro-level social work interventions, trauma and incarceration, community reentry, and systemic oppression. He emphasizes student engagement, critical thinking, and the integration of diverse perspectives in the classroom.

His professional background includes roles as Director of Research and Evaluation at the national non-profit “From Prison to Professionals,” and extensive experience in prison education programs, drug courts, and community advocacy. His scholarship is informed by personal experiences with homelessness, incarceration, and recovery, which guide his commitment to transformative social work education and practice.

Professional Experience Highlights:

• Director of Research and Evaluation, From Prison to Professionals
• Residential Counselor, Advocate, Community Consultant
• Collaborator with law enforcement, prosecutors, and correctional administrators

Eikenberry is dedicated to mentoring future social workers in developing actionable, justice-oriented practices across micro, mezzo, and macro systems. He assesses learning through real-world application and critical reflection, fostering environments where student ideas are explored and refined.