Sonja Vegdahl, BA, MA, Ph.D

Director, Social Work Program

Contact Information

College of Health and Human Services
Concordia University
2811 NE Holman St.
Portland, OR 97211
svegdahl@cu-portland.edu

Education

  • B.A. St. Olaf College
  • M.A. University of Chicago
  • Ph.D. Portland State University

Background

Teaching at Concordia is professionally and personally satisfying to me. Because we have small classes, I am able to know each of my students personally. When my graduates ask for a reference letter, I can write about their unique strengths and abilities. So many different kinds of students are part of our social work program. I learn something from my students in every class I teach. Their experiences, perspectives, questions and insights add to the collaborative learning that we all do.

Besides enjoying my relationships with students, I also feel fortunate to immerse myself in social work. Social workers do such important things: assisting vulnerable people at some of the most difficult moments in their lives and making critical changes in communities and in society. I know that what I do in preparing future social workers makes a real difference in the world. Social work values are vital in a world where many people do not have access to critical life resources and in a society that continues to oppress certain groups of people. We need to transform society so that each person is able to reach his/her potential and live a life of self-respect and honor.

A final pleasure in teaching at Concordia University is working with great faculty and staff. We really care about one another and strive to make the campus a welcoming and comfortable place for people to work and study. Student, staff and faculty dreams are nurtured in an environment where everyone is seen as important.