Jacob Eikenberry is an Assistant Professor for the Master of Social Work program at Colorado Mesa University.
Beginning in his youth, Eikenberry experienced mental health and substance use challenges, houselessness, several stints of incarceration, and compounding trauma associated with repeated periods of incarceration. In 2009, he began a transformative healing journey through mentorship and engagement with many community-based resources. The following year, Eikenberry enrolled in a community college, where the peer support he received while working toward stability and higher education proved pivotal in shaping his path.
Over the previous 15 years, Eikenberry has served in a range of social work roles, including researcher, instructor, coalition builder, community engagment specialist and residential counselor. His work spans diverse settings, including with individuals and communities, nonprofit organizations, prison education programs, court systems, law enforcement, first responders and correctional administrators. His lived experience informs his scholarship, practice and commitment to equity. He draws on this perspective to advance innovative research and to prepare Master of Social Work students to contribute meaningfully to a socially just society.
Eikenberry holds a PhD in Social Work from St. Louis University, a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Psychology from the University of Illinois Springfield. He teaches Advanced Social Work Practice with Groups, Communities and Organizations, Advanced Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Social Work, Social Justice and Human Behavior in the Social Environment.
Eikenberry’s teaching philosophy centers on creating a learning environment that fosters the exploration and realization of each student’s professional potential. His classroom is a space where ideas are welcomed, challenged and refined through critical thinking, reflection and applied learning. He intentionally incorporates diverse perspectives, experiences and forms of knowledge to support students in analyzing complex issues and developing multidimensional solutions.
He recognizes social work students as deeply committed to advancing social justice and addressing systemic oppression. His goal is to nurture that passion while helping students translate their ideas into thoughtful, actionable work that informs practice at the micro, mezzo and macro levels.