I chose to pursue my graduate social work degree online because it afforded the flexibility of attending graduate school and working full-time. I selected the University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work because of its renowned reputation in the academic community and the long tradition of quality instruction recognized in the industry.
The faculty and academic advisors are exceptional. They are flexible, accommodating and supportive. They have guided and challenged me to meet the highest academic standards and develop my skills beyond my expectations.
I look forward to applying all of the theory and knowledge I have gained in the Master of Science in Social Work online program at Kent School as I advance my career as a professional social worker. My experience has been the best!
I am a third-year online student in the Master of Science in Social Work program at the Kent School of Social Work at the University of Louisville. I am also an 18-year veteran of the U.S. Army. As I prepare my transition from a full-time military career to a career in Social Work, I find that the online graduate program at Kent School affords me a unique opportunity to obtain a high quality education while I continue to serve.
I have found the MSSW curriculum to be challenging and motivating, instructive and even inspirational at that same time. The program has allowed me to explore and improve my communication skills, which I anticipate will be paramount to my success as a social worker. The staff and faculty have been supportive and understanding of my need for flexibility and have gone above and beyond my expectations all throughout the enrollment process and leading to my practicum placement.
For me and my family, the MSSW online program at the Kent School has proven to be the most valuable resource for a bright and successful future.
Gilberto Maldonado MSSW Online Student
Computer Science Professor spotlight: Roman Yampolskiy
2013 Online College “Professor of the Year” Nominee
Roman Yampolskiy
Assistant professor Roman Yampolskiy has been teaching computer science courses at the Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville since 2008. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science combined degree in computer science from Rochester Institute of Technology and earned his Ph.D. from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University at Buffalo.
An active computer scientist, he has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and had his research featured by the BBC, MSNBC, ACM, Yahoo, New Scientist, and LiveScience.com. In his online courses Yampolskiy’s policy is to “use, but not overuse” online tools so to not overwhelm students responsible for learning advanced engineering concepts with having to learn complicated tools just to participate in the course.
Maybe this is why he was chosen by students in the Master of Science in Computer Science and the Computer Engineering and Computer Science department as “Professor of the Year” in 2012 and students university wide as a “top 11 in 2011 and “Faculty Favorite” in 2010. In the last year alone, Yampolskiy has been recognized for several accomplishments, including EEWeb Featured Engineer, and 3rd place in app development competition at SU-NASA Ames.
Obviously a class favorite, he is described by his students as an exemplary teacher who is a driving and inspiring force, always willing to go the extra mile, and sticks to strong academic expectations and standards.
But perhaps Yampolskiy says it best himself:
“I am a dedicated educator and I believe that online students are not just ID codes on Blackboard, but human beings who are looking for knowledge, camaraderie, excitement and challenge. They are already doing something extraordinary – trying to get their education in a previously non-existent virtual world and they deserve to have the best digital pedagogy practices and tools available to them.”
We wish professor Yampolskiy good luck and continuous success in his teaching endeavor at UofL Online.
Tagged as one of the 25 Top Criminal Justice Professors in the U.S.
Dr. Gennaro F. Vito
Dr. Gennaro F. Vito, professor in the Department of Justice Administration at the University of Louisville has been recently featured as one of the “25 Top Criminal Justice Professors” by ForensicColleges.com. The list is comprised of outstanding professors in the field of criminal justice and criminology, identified in the top 25 criminal justice and justice administration degrees, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report’s criminology rankings (2009).
This is not the first time Dr. Vito has been applauded for his work and contribution to the field of law enforcement and administration of justice. In 2012, he received the Bruce Smith Jr. Award from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. The award recognizes a “person who has been actively involved in criminal justice research or other endeavor which has made substantial contributions to the emerging body of knowledge in criminal justice.” It is the highest research recognition awarded by the Academy.
The “Outstanding Mentor Award” from ACJS (2010), “UofL Distinguished University Scholar” (2008-2013), Dean’s and President’s Awards for “Outstanding Scholarship, Research, and Creative Activity” (2002); “Exceptional Performance Award” (1999); and the Southern Criminal Justice Association’s “Educator of the Year Award” (1991) are just a few of the other accolades that make Dr. Vito proud.
As a faculty member teaching online and on-campus courses, Dr. Vito brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom and infuses each lesson with practical knowledge that students can readily apply to their own work place. His published work includes 11 textbooks, 17 book chapters, 95 refereed, professional journal articles, 9 book reviews, and 43 technical reports on criminal justice programs and policies.
Students describe Dr. Vito and his “on-the-ground” teaching style and personality as a cross between Lewis Black and Don Corleone – strict and fair, assertive and loyal, rigorous and reasonable. His teaching method includes in-depth examination of law enforcement leadership and management issues through analysis of relevant case studies, video clips or articles. Although he allows for an independent study format, he ensures that students adhere to the required schedule of assignments and examinations whether learning online or in the classroom.
Dr. Vito has a Ph.D. in Public Administration, earned from the Ohio State University where he also earned his master’s in sociology-criminology, and has been teaching in the J.A. program at UofL since its inception in 2001. He has also been teaching at the Southern Police Institute (SPI) in the Administrative Officer Course (AOC) program since 1995.
Speaking to the benefits of online learning for all students, undergraduate and graduate, who start by taking the AOC courses at the Southern Police Institute, Dr. Vito said: “Our students are police managers – Sergeant Rank and above – who want to pursue a career in leadership, advance their ranking or increase their earnings. Online Learning at UofL has made it possible for them to complete a Master of Science in Justice Administration degree fully online. Graduates of the AOC course can transfer in 12 credits from this graduate track and finish their degree online when they return home. There was no other way to do this before the online program came along. Undergraduate AOC students earn 15 transferable credits. They also can complete their undergraduate degree online.”
Dr. Vito strives to provide students with knowledge that improves their analytical and practical skills, challenges them to engage in critical thinking and take the classroom-gained information into the real world. He draws from his extensive experience, scholarly research and industry best practices, trends and concepts. His measure of applied learning is quite simple: “I do not ask my students to do anything that I have not done or am currently doing” says Dr. Vito.
There is little doubt that Dr. Vito has gone above and beyond in terms of leadership and professional contributions to his field. His published work in academic journals, his leadership and expertise, as well as his dedication to the world of criminal justice tag him as one of the top criminal justice professors in the country.
We hope that Dr. Vito will enjoy many more teaching years, awesome achievements and significant contributions to the research of the field, preparing current and future law enforcement leaders to change the world.
The Master of Science in Justice Administration is offered to professionals who have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning and want to pursue or advance their career in law enforcement, security, corrections, public safety and other areas or criminal justice. Contact us today and learn more about the master’s in criminal justice program at UofL Online.
