Triangle Copy careerplus-badges careerplus-degree Created with Sketch. careerplus-employers Created with Sketch. careerplus-faq Created with Sketch. careerplus-individuals Created with Sketch. careerplus-local-experts Created with Sketch. careerplus-pricing careerplus-registration Created with Sketch. careerplus-responsive Created with Sketch. careerplus-self-paced Created with Sketch. careerplus-stackable Created with Sketch. + Facebook LinkedIn PinterestRSS Instagram Twitter Vine

Campus Closed Friday, Classes Switch to Virtual 1/23

Out of an abundance of caution due to the forecasted weather, the Clarke University campus will be closed on Friday, January 23, 2026. Classes will switch to a virtual format. Students, please check your email and the platform utilized in each course for more information from your professors.   

Staff are excused from work, however, essential employees should report to campus unless otherwise advised by their supervisor.    

The Music Department’s Professional Performance Series has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 5 p.m. in Jansen Music Hall. 

Hours of Operation   

The Dining Hall will be open for Lunch from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Café 1843 will operate the convenience store from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., with hot food items available from 7-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and 5-8 p.m.
The library will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  
The Kehl Center will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Practices are canceled except for teams with competition the next day.   

Winter Safety Information 

With wind chills reaching as low as -40, frostbite can occur within 10 minutes. During the winter weather advisory, stay indoors whenever possible. Be sure to keep your cellphone charged and have access to blankets, water, and other necessities.  

If you must go out, dress in layers: wear fabrics that retain heat, use insulation layers to trap air, and choose outer layers that are wind and water-resistant. Stay dry and avoid excessive sweating to maintain body heat. 

Stay indoors, stay warm, and stay safe, Clarkies! 

Clarke University 

Clarke University Logo
Portrait of Colleen Mahoney

Colleen Mahoney, Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Chair of Social Work

Educational Background

University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration
Ph.D. Social Work 2007
M.A. Clinical Social Work 2001

Iowa State University, M.S. in Counseling Psychology 1993

Georgetown University, B.S. in Psychology 1985

Teaching Philosophy

Connection with students, both in and out of the classroom, is foundational to my teaching philosophy. I use a variety of practices to promote relationships with students; in turn, these relationships, I believe, contribute to the confidence, courage, and inspiration required for students to explore their own beliefs, take risks, and ultimately change their own hearts and minds.

Profile

Professional Background

Prior to my career in academia, I worked as a mental health clinician with adults struggling with serious mental illness, substance use problems, and a host of other psychosocial difficulties. Before arriving at Clarke, I was an assistant professor at University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Social Work, and while completing my Ph.D., I taught social work courses at the School of Social Service Administration at University of Chicago.

Research Interests

  • Therapeutic relationships in clinical social work
  • Ethics, dual roles, and cultural sensitivity in social work practice
  • Use of Motivational Interviewing in social work practice
  • Teaching social work clinical practice

Courses Taught

  • Motivational Interviewing for Social Work Practice
  • Advanced Clinical Practice
  • Specialized Practice Field Seminar
  • Problematic Substance Use
  • Integrated Health II

Certifications and Memberships

  • Iowa Licensed Masters Level Social Worker
  • Member, NASW National and Iowa division
  • Member, National Rural Social Work Caucus
  • Selected Presentations

    Mahoney, Colleen A., and Steve, Amy. (2018). Field Suervision and Classroom Instruction in Rural MSW Programs: Risks and Benefits of Educational Dual Roles. Presented at the National Rural Social Work Caucus’ 43rd National Institute on Social Work and Human Services in Rural Areas, Murray, KY, July 18.

    Mahoney, Colleen A. (2017). The Client-Social Worker Relationship in Rural Communities: How to be Effective, Ethical, and Culturally-Sensitive. Presented at the National Rural Social Work Caucus’ 42nd National Institute on Social Work and Human Services in Rural Areas, Jackson, TN, July 19.

    Mahoney, Colleen A. (2017). Applied Ethics Training. Presented at Catholic Charities Counseling Services, Dubuque, IA, June 29.