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Jerry D. Walden

Assistant Professor of Social Work
Poling Center for Global Learning
989-743-3995
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Bio

I live in Owosso, MI with my wife Darlene. I am originally from Central Illinois and have lived in the Midwest all of my life. Darlene and I have been married since 1994, and I helped her raise her two sons who are now married. We have four grandchildren ranging from ages six to 22.
I am a former pastor and ordained minister. In 1989, I was married and had three children, all four lost their lives in an automobile accident. That event changed the direction of my life and, after having received counseling myself, I began the road to becoming a Social Worker.
The field of Social Work has been a blessing to me, and I am teaching this course because I feel a responsibility to give back to the profession.I currently serve as the Director of the BSW Program here at Spring Arbor University. I was an adjunct professor before joining the SAU Faculty full-time in 2018. I also serve as the Secretary of the Board of Trustees for Memorial Healthcare in Owosso, MI and on the Advisory Board of Community Christian Singles of Shiawassee County.

Formerly, I served as the Director of the Gerholz Center for Christian Counseling in Flint, MI. as the Board Chair of Shiawassee County Community Mental Health Authority, now known as Shiawassee Health and Wellness and on the Board of Commissioners for Shiawassee County.
I have a Master of Divinity from Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, IN and a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. I have completed all of the coursework for my PhD from Trinity Seminary in Newburg, IN. I am currently finishing my Dissertation.

Memberships and Affiliations

National Association of Social Workers

North American Association of Christians in Social Work

Other Relevant Experience

Memorial Healthcare Owosso, Michigan Trustee and Board Secretary
Shiawassee Health and Wellness Owosso, Michigan Former Board Chair