Professor & BSW Program Director
Florida Gulf Coast University
Dr. Tom Felke serves as Professor of Social Work and BSW Program Director within the Marieb College of Health & Human Services at Florida Gulf Coast University. He previously served as Associate Dean for Academics as well as the founding Executive Director of the Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging, an interdisciplinary initiative focused on older adults. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary and Special Education from Providence College. He completed his Master of Social Work (MSW) degree with concentrations in administration, policy, and international issues at the University of Connecticut. He also earned his Ph.D. in social work from the University of Connecticut, completing his dissertation research on the situation of ethnic Armenian refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan. He began his social work career with Catholic Charites of Southern Connecticut then moved to public service as an Organization & Skill Development Manager with the Connecticut Department of Social Services. Dr. Felke focuses his teaching and research as a macro social work professor. A major focus of his work is the use of geographic information systems (GIS) for program evaluation and research efforts. The focus of these research projects has been on the needs of older adults, affordable housing, and food insecurity. He is a regular contributor in the media, including national and international appearances in visual and print media on his research. Dr. Felke has been recognized for excellence in teaching and leadership including the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the NASW Florida Chapter.
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