Stephen E. Kauffman

Stephen E. Kauffman is a Professor in the Department of Social Work at Widener University's College of Health and Human Services. Teaching since 1991, he holds a PhD from Bryn Mawr College and specializes in community practice, program evaluation, and policy. He is affiliated with BSW, MSW, PhD, and dual-degree programs in Social Work and Human Sexuality Studies.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Social Work (1991) from Bryn Mawr College (PA)
• MSW in Social Work (1987) from Washington University in St. Louis (MO)
• BA in Religious Studies (1982) from Sewanee--University of the South (TN)

Dr. Kauffman's research centers on community change strategies and the social impacts of environmental degradation, with a focus on environmental racism and poverty. He develops models for citizen involvement in addressing community problems like crime, and examines intersections of ideology, religion, and social welfare policy.

His recent publications (2006-2021) bridge social work education, policy practice, and civic engagement. Key contributions include pandemic-era teaching innovations, competency-based field education frameworks, and technology applications for community assessment.

Notable awards include:

• Distinguished University Professor Award (2023)
• Teagle Foundation Scholar (2012)
• Academic Service-Learning Faculty Development Program Fellow (2010)
• Phi Alpha Honor Society (2007)

Dr. Kauffman has directed major evaluations funded by HUD, Pennsylvania state, and private foundations, including:

• Federal HOPE VI programs
• Century 21 school performance studies
• Teenage pregnancy prevention initiatives
• Mental health services assessments
• Lead abatement program evaluations

His methodological expertise spans evaluation design and advanced statistical modeling.

He curates a 3,000+ piece political memorabilia collection, featured at Wolfgram Memorial Library (2024-2025), which spurred public discussions on voting history and political polarization.