Mackenzi Huyser

associate professor of social work and department chair

on faculty since 2000

Phone: 708.239.4809
Fax: 708.239.3988
E-mail: mackenzi.huyser@trnty.edu 

Education

Ph.D., Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, 2004
M.S.W., Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2000
B.A., Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, Illinois, 1997

Professional and Personal Interests

Give Mackenzi Huyser a few minutes of your time and she’ll have you participating in a project that works to create change and address the inequities of social structures. Even if you don’t get involved, you will realize quickly that Huyser’s goals for her students include helping to develop their roles in the world to become advocates for change.

“I love when students show their passion for serving others, either through their classroom work or activities around campus and in the community. I also love to see them challenge the status-quo and advocate for change,” said Huyser, chair of Trinity’s social work department since its inception in 2000 and associate professor of social work.

Huyser, who earned a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Andrews University (MI) and a M.S.W. from Grand Valley State University (MI), sees her classroom as a place filled with energy and lively discussion and a place where ideas are developed.

“I work to create an environment where knowledge and skills can be strengthened and students are engaged in learning about social issues through challenging readings, discussion, and activities.”

Every year, the Michigan native accompanies a group of social work students to Springfield, Illinois, for Lobby Day, helping them to become active participants in the legislative process to bring about change. She also encourages their attendance in social work conferences and service learning activities. Students are required to complete a capstone project over three semesters in a community organization and must complete 400 hours in field education during their final semester.

In fall 2007, Trinity’s social work department hosted a student conference titled “Pursuing Social Justice.” In summer 2007, the department co-sponsored a Summer Symposium on Christian Scholarship in conjunction with the North American Association of Christians in Social Work. Based on the two tracks of papers presented, Social Justice and Radical Christian Innovations, two special edition journals of Social Work and Christianity will be published. Huyser also serves as an assistant editor of the professional publication.

Her commitment to addressing social issues is unwavering and is reflected by her philosophy of teaching at a Christian college. “It is absolutely necessary that our department create learning opportunities so our students are prepared to be these advocates for social justice,” said Huyser.

“Over the last couple of years our students have shown an increasing desire to create change and work for social justice.”

Huyser views her role as a calling in social work education. She hopes to “inspire students to serve others through their work in social work … and not only serve others with compassion but also [become] radical change agents to address the inequalities in so many of the structures in our society.”

Courses Taught

• Community Social Action Policy
• Introduction to Social Work
• Research for the Behavioral Sciences
• Social Welfare Institutions

Professional Society Membership

• National Association of Social Workers
• North American Association of Christians in Social Work

Papers Published and/or Presented

• “Housing Mobility Programs: How Policy Impacts Practice.” North American Association of Christians in Social Work, Annual Convention. Dallas, Texas, March 2007.
• “Introduction to the Special Edition: Social Work and Christian Community Development.” Social Work and Christianity, 33(4), 325-329. Huyser, M.A. and Pittman, J. Winter 2006.
• “Beyond Field Education: A Case Example of the Possibilities for Community Partnership.” North American Association of Christians in Social Work, Annual Convention. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. October 2006.
• “Threat to Society,” in Decision Cases for Generalist Social Work Practice: Thinking Like a Social Worker by T. Wolfer and L. Scales (eds.). pp. 29-37. Belmont, California: Brooks/Cole. 2006