Tim Colenback - NDDSWA 2021 Years of Service Award Recipient

Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management Tim Colenback has received the National Deans and Directors of Social Work Admissions (NDDSWA) 2021 Years of Service Award. NDDSWA — a national organization affiliated with the Council on Social Work Education — established this award to recognize and honor exceptional individuals in the field of graduate recruitment and admissions.

The awards committee highlighted Colenback’s achievements in recruiting and cultivating the next generation of leaders and educators.  They also recognized his creative and innovative approach to admissions, the ongoing support and mentorship that he has provided to colleagues, and his lasting impact on NDDSWA. 

Colenback worked as a social worker before joining the School in 1993 as the assistant director for student services. In 1999, he took on the role of assistant dean for student services, and has successfully led the School’s Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management for 22 years.

Colenback is an incredible leader and mentor. Several of the staff members he has mentored have gone on to become directors in career services, student services, and diversity, equity and inclusion offices.

Colenback is a strong and vocal advocate for students.  He is deeply skilled in educating prospective students about the profession, brainstorming with students to tailor their program to their specific interests, creating unique plans for students experiencing personal and financial crises, and at assisting alumni with professional decisions. Through his service on numerous committees, task forces and workgroups, Colenback always ensures that the student voices are represented.

Colenback is a true example of how the social work skill set can be applied in a higher education setting.

“NDDSWA has provided invaluable support to admissions directors and deans, including me, for over 25 years,” said Colenback. “The organization has played a critical role in the recruitment of new people into the professions of social work. It has been my pleasure to be a part of the organization since 1999 and I am incredibly honored to be the recipient of the Years of Service Award.”