Wendy L. Becker

Dr. Wendy L. Becker is an Associate Professor at the School of Social Work, Rhode Island College, where she has served since July 2005. She is based in Guardo Hall and teaches a comprehensive range of courses in generalist social work, field practice, and human behavior. Her academic and professional focus centers on social justice, gender, and community advocacy.

Education:

• PhD, Northeastern University, May 2005
• MSW, Boston University School of Social Work
• BA, Brown University

Dr. Becker's research and practice expertise lies in social and economic justice, women’s issues, welfare and poverty, and sexuality and gender identity. Her work integrates clinical practice with systemic advocacy, particularly for marginalized populations including LGBTQ+ youth and survivors of domestic violence. She emphasizes experiential learning through fieldwork and seminar-based instruction.

Her service contributions reflect her commitment to equity and justice. She is actively engaged with several state and community organizations, including the RI Task Force on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth, the Safe Schools Institute, the Haymarket People's Fund, the VOCA Review Committee, the Governor's Justice Commission, and the Welfare Implementation Task Force.

Dr. Becker has not published any research articles in the provided text, but her teaching and service indicate a strong applied focus in clinical and macro-level social work. She supervises independent studies (SWRK 490/590) and advanced fieldwork, suggesting mentorship of students in applied settings.

Current Teaching:

• Generalist Social Work
• Creating Change through Practice
• Field Seminar