Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Social Work
Melissa Hirschi, PhD, LCSW
Dr. Melissa Hirschi is an Associate Professor of Social Work and Director of the Bachelor of Social Work program at UVU. She holds an Associate of Science from Salt Lake Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brigham Young University, a Master of Social Work from Boston University, and a PhD in an interdisciplinary program in Sociology and Social Work, also from Boston University. Before joining UVU in 2023, Dr. Hirschi built an extensive career as a social worker, contributing to initiatives in workforce development, mental health and substance use, HIV services, integrated healthcare, first-responder mental health, and child welfare. She has worked closely with diverse and marginalized communities, including formerly homeless women and children, uninsured individuals, and families navigating the child welfare system. At UVU, Dr. Hirschi distinguished herself as a transformative leader whose dedication to student success and institutional excellence reaches far beyond typical faculty responsibilities. Her service includes curriculum development, faculty mentorship, student support, and leadership on numerous departmental, college, university, and state committees. She is also deeply engaged in the broader social work profession nationally and locally through leadership roles, manuscript review, and ongoing community partnerships.
Associate Professor, Social Work
Alan Misbach, MSW, LCSW
Alan Misbach has built a distinguished career in clinical practice, leadership, and social work education. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brigham Young University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His professional roles have included Treatment Coordinator for the Children’s Justice Center, Clinical Director of the Willowcreek School, Director of Social Work at the Utah State Hospital, and Director of Field Education for UVU’s BSW and MSW programs. A respected leader in the social work community, Alan has served as President of the NASW Utah Chapter, Chair of the Wasatch Behavioral Health Citizen Advisory Board, and Vice-Chair of the Utah Social Worker Licensing Board. At UVU, he is known for the deep care and support he provides students—often receiving more “thank a teacher” notes than anyone else in his department. Colleagues praise him as both brave and warm, a teacher who inspires students from their first 1010 class through their field experiences. Even late in his career, Alan has embraced new modes of teaching, earning exceptional reviews for his online courses and serving as a thoughtful voice on the evolving role of AI in education. A lifelong resident of Utah Valley, Alan began his journey at UVU in 1983 as a student. Concluding his career at the institution where it began has been especially meaningful.
Professor, English
Rob Carney, Ph.D.
Rob Carney is a Professor of English at Utah Valley University, where he has taught for 29 years and contributed significantly to building the university’s first four-year English degree. He holds a BA in English from Pacific Lutheran University, an MFA in Creative Writing from Eastern Washington University, and a PhD in English from the University of Louisiana–Lafayette. A widely honored poet and essayist, Carney is the author of eleven books—with two more forthcoming—including The Book of Drought , winner of the XJ Kennedy Poetry Prize and named one of Kirkus Reviews’ Top 100 Indie Books of 2025, setting it apart as one of the best poetry collections of the year nationwide. He has earned the UVU Faculty Excellence Award, the President’s Award, the Trustees’ Award, and multiple book awards. Carney also serves on the editorial board of Terrain.org , the longest running online journal focused on place and the environment. Playing a central role in shaping the UVU English program from its earliest days has meant teaching 20+ different courses during his career. Carney is known for integrating his distinguished writing career into his teaching. He provides students with rigorous mentorship and real-world insight into poetry and creative nonfiction. Several of his former students have gone on to become published authors as well.
Language Hub Manager
James Krause, Ph.D.
Dr. Krause is the Manager of the Language Hub in the Department of Languages and Cultures at Utah Valley University. He earned a BA in Spanish (2003) and an MA in Spanish (2005) from Brigham Young University, followed by an MA in Portuguese (2007) and a PhD in Spanish & Portuguese (2010) from Vanderbilt University. Before joining UVU in 2021, James spent a decade at BYU, where he taught Portuguese and Spanish, mentored students, directed internships, and led study abroad programs in Portugal and Brazil. At UVU, he has overseen the transformation of the traditional Language Lab into an innovative Language Hub—an advanced, collaborative space that now includes a Digital Production Studio for podcasts and media projects, a Deaf Studies Studio, and a Spanish translation and interpretation lab—all designed to build professional skills and prepare students for careers and graduate study. The Hub supports student success through tutoring, conversation groups, cultural programming, and specialized studios. Under his direction, the Hub’s student employees have served thousands of students and elevated language learning across campus. Known for his exceptional care and collaborative spirit, he builds community across departments and models professional excellence for both students and colleagues.
Professor, Communication
Dean’s Award of Excellence for Service
Professor, Philosophy & Humanities
Dean’s Award of Excellence for Teaching
MSW Program Manager
Dean’s Award of Excellence for Staff
Professor, Philosophy & Humanities
Dean’s Award of Excellence for Scholarship
Professor, English and Literature
Dean’s Award of Excellence for Service
Assistant Professor, Family Science
Dean’s Award of Excellence for Teaching
Assistant to the Dean, College of Humanities & Social Science
Dean’s Award of Excellence for Staff
Associate Professor, Political Science
Dean’s Award of Excellence for Scholarship
Department Chair, Languages and Cultures
Dean’s Award of Excellence for Service
Lecturer, Applied Communication
Dean’s Award of Excellence for Teaching
Admin Support III, Languages and Cultures
Dean’s Award of Excellence for Staff
Associate Professor, Philosophy and Humanities
Dean’s Award of Excellence for Scholarship
Assistant Professor, Philosophy
Dean’s Award of Excellence for Inclusion
Assistant Professor, English and Literature
Faculty Senate Award of Excellence
