Faculty Profile for Dr. Laura C Summerhill

profile photo for Dr. Laura C Summerhill
Dr. Laura C Summerhill
Professor of Instruction — School of Social Work
ENC 150A
phone: (512) 245-2592

Biography Section

Biography and Education

Dr. Summerhill holds a PhD in Clinical Social Work from New York University (2017), a MSW from Columbia University (1999), a MS Ed in Special Education from Bank Street College of Education (1999) and a BSW from Florida State University (1994).

Teaching Interests

I enjoy teaching across the curriculum, with special interest in clinical social work and spirituality.

Research Interests

Clinical issues in grief, spirituality, adoption

Selected Scholarly/Creative Work

  • Summerhill, L. C., & Samantha, W. L. (2013). Exploring birth countries: The mental health implications of heritage travel for children/adolescents adopted internationally. Adoption Quarterly, 16(3–4), 262–278.

Selected Awards

  • Award / Honor Recipient: Favorite Professor, A.H. Nolle Chapter Alpha Chi National Honor Society. 2022
  • Award / Honor Recipient: Favorite Professor, A.H. Nolle Chapter Alpha Chi National Honor Society. August 2021 - December 2021
  • Award / Honor Recipient: Excellence in Teaching award, College of Fine Arts. January 2017 - August 2017
  • Award / Honor Recipient: Favorite Professor, A.H. Nolle Chapter, Alpha Chi National Honor Society. January 2016 - May 2016
  • Award / Honor Recipient: Favorite Professor, A.H. Nolle Chapter, Alpha Chi National Honor Society. January 2013 - May 2013

Selected Service Activities

Board Member
All Together Now : Adoptee Led Peer Support Group
July 1, 2014-July 31, 2017
Board Member
Family for Life
January 1, 2006-December 31, 2006
Member
MSW Micro Team
2020-Present
Volunteer
The Women's Storybook Project of Texas
January 2018-Present
Member
MSW Committee
August 2017-Present