Janice Kay O'Donnell, LCSW
Professor
B.A., Michigan State University, 1967
M.S.W., Michigan State University, 1969

Prior to joining the School of Social Work, Professor O'Donnell worked for five years as a full time social worker in developmental disabilities and public mental health. In order to keep her practice skills and knowledge current, she has provided clinical services for two to four hours a week over the past 20 years for families whose members have experienced severe neglect, sexual or physical abuse.

Professor O'Donnell was the Chair of the School of Social Work from 1994 to 2005, and also served in this leadership capacity between 1983 and 1989. Over the past four years, she has spent the bulk of her time leading the self-study for reaffirmation of accreditation for the undergraduate program, assisting in the development of the Master's of Social Work degree program and applying for the federal Title IV-E grants for the BSW and MSW programs. She is working toward developing partnerships between agencies in the region and CSU, Chico that will serve the needs of the region and students.

While Professor O'Donnell has taught all of the undergraduate courses, she has particular interest and expertise in the social work practice courses, as well as the introductory social work course that is also part of the university's general education program. She is developing a master's level course in disabilities and developmental disabilities, a practice area for which she has a long-term commitment.

In addition to her teaching and administrative duties, Professor O'Donnell has served for many years on various child welfare agency advisory boards and for the Child Development Program on campus. Related to the MSW development efforts and administration of the BSW program, she has been involved with regional social service agency directors' organizations. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, including the local unit, the Baccalaureate Program Directors and the Council on Social Work Education.

Jan has run five to six miles a day for the past twenty years with a small group of other dedicated women runners, and occasionally enjoys a good race. She takes piano lessons, gardens in the summer, and loves to cook for the frequent student, staff and faculty gatherings held throughout the year. With her husband and daughter, she shares a great appreciation for 'Calvin and Hobbs.'