Vincent Ornelas

Assistant Professor
MSW, University of Southern California
PhD, University of Southern California

Vincent Ornelas brings practice, teaching and research experience in policy and practice with large systems to the School of Social Work. After obtaining his MSW he was the Director of Legislative Advocacy for the Exceptional Children's Foundation of Los Angeles. Additionally, he has been the Program Director for the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena and a consultant for their Youth Leadership Development program. He also served as a consultant to the Grantsmanship program for the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles - University Affiliated Program.

Dr. Ornelas' research interests, public and professional presentations are on the subjects of inner city schools, immigration, cross cultural practice, social justice, Latinos, and policy practice. His MSW teaching experience includes lectureships at the University of Southern California, California State University, Los Angeles and the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Ornelas was selected twice as the BASW Teacher of the Year in 2002 and 2004 at the CSULA School of Social Work.

Since arriving in Chico, Dr. Ornelas has been involved in several social justice activities related to his teaching and scholarship. He is an active member of the CSUC Chicano/ Latino Council and a member of the Board of Directors of a local domestic violence agency. Dr. Ornelas is also working to establish linkages between the School of Social Work, other campus units, and community-based organizations that target underserved populations in the region.