Faculty/Staff Directory
Dr. Rebekah Hazlett-Knudsen
478-757-2545
Associate Professor
Credentials: PhD, LMSW, BSW
| Office Hours: | In-Person or Virtual: Tuesdays: 10:30 am - 4:30 pm Virtual Only: Wednesdays: 10:30 am - 4:30 pm In-Person Only: Thursdays: 9:00 - 9:30 am & 4:00 - 4:30 To schedule an appointment, please visit my Bookings page at https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/20cf210afa334c5da974718dcfd71247@mga.edu?anonymous&ep=plink *If the times listed do not work for your schedule, please email rebekah.hazlett@mga.edu for additional meeting options. If you need to schedule a meeting during another instructor’s class time, please check with that instructor first. |
| Locations: (Campus & Office) |
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| Biography: | I have over 15 years of experience as a social work educator. Prior to joining the faculty at Middle Georgia State University in 2018 as BSW Program Director, I served as a faculty member and BSW Program Director at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP). Earlier in my career, I taught in both the BSW and MSW programs at the University of Central Florida School of Social Work and in the BSW program at Western Illinois University. My work focuses on social work education, program development, and accreditation leadership. I have extensive experience guiding academic programs through development and accreditation processes aligned with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards. Across my career, I have served in leadership roles supporting BSW programs, including directing programs, coordinating accreditation self-studies, and leading curriculum development initiatives. Prior to my academic career, I practiced in healthcare, mental health, and community-based social work settings, experiences that continue to inform my approach to preparing future social workers. |
| Syllabi: |
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| Teaching and Research Interests: | My greatest interests in social work practice and research include policy and social barriers experienced by parenting students; and social work education. |
| Courses: | Spring 2026: SOCW 3400: Practice Lab I (https://mga.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/undergraduate-catalog/courses/socw-social-welfare/3000/socw-3400) SOCW 3800: Practice Lab II (https://mga.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/undergraduate-catalog/courses/socw-social-welfare/3000/socw-3800) SOCW 3600: Social Work Research (https://mga.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/undergraduate-catalog/courses/socw-social-welfare/3000/socw-3600) Summer 2026: SOCW 2215: Introduction to Social Work & SOCW 3600: Social Work Research (https://mga.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/undergraduate-catalog/courses/socw-social-welfare/2000/socw-2215) SOCW 3600: Social Work Research (https://mga.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/undergraduate-catalog/courses/socw-social-welfare/3000/socw-3600) |
| Education: (All institutions attended and degrees or credentials earned) | PhD, Public Affairs- Cognate Area: Social Work - University of Central Florida MSW, Clinical Social Work - University of Central Florida BSW - Western Illinois University |
| Professional Experience: | Throughout my career, I have led the development and implementation of academic programs and initiatives designed to strengthen social work education and workforce preparation. I served as the lead faculty developer of the Bachelor of Social Work program at Middle Georgia State University, guiding the program through approval by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents and through accreditation processes. I have recently provided leadership in the development of a proposed Master of Social Work program focused on integrative practice, including curriculum design, workforce analysis, and accreditation preparation. My work has also included accreditation self-study leadership, development of program assessment systems, community-engaged research initiatives, and partnerships with regional organizations. My contributions to teaching and program leadership have been recognized through awards including the Middle Georgia State University Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Student Affairs Greatness Award. I teach across the social work practice curriculum, including courses in direct practice, social welfare policy, community and organizational practice, and forensic social work. I have developed numerous undergraduate and graduate courses and emphasize experiential and applied learning approaches that bridge theory and practice. My scholarship and professional presentations focus on social work education, experiential learning, and program development. I am also actively engaged in professional service, including serving as a site visitor for the Council on Social Work Education and participating in regional research and community initiatives. |
| Publications and Scholarships: (Last 5 Years) | Hazlett-Knudsen, R. (2026). Avoiding the AI suspicion spiral: Building trust and authentic learning in social work education. 43rd Annual BPD Conference, New Orleans, LA. Hazlett-Knudsen, R. & Johnson, J. (2025). Connecting the Dots: Moving students from knowledge to practice through agency-based experiential learning. University System of Georgia Teaching and Learning Conference, 2025. Hazlett-Knudsen, R. (2022). BSW Program Candidacy Full Self-Study (Including Accreditation Standard 4: Assessment). Developed under the Council on Social Work Education 2015 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. Middle Georgia State University. Hazlett-Knudsen, R. (2021). Pleasant Hill neighborhood needs assessment report. Prepared for the United Way and OneMacon in support of the L.H. Williams Elementary Community School. |
| Professional Affiliations: | • The Association of Social Work Baccalaureate Program Directors • Council on Social Work Education • National Association of Social Workers • Phi Alpha Honor Society |
| Awards and Honors: | • MGA Nominee for the 2025 USG Regent’s Felton Jenkins, Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Award. • Student Affairs Greatness Award, Friend of the Division, Middle Georgia State University, 2024. • Middle Georgia State University, Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2022. • Nomination, Middle Georgia State University Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Award, 2021. • Outstanding Faculty Member, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Middle Georgia State University, 2020. |
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