Victor Groza, PhD, MSW, LISW-S

Grace F. Brody Professor of Parent-Child Studies
Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
Associate Dean for Doctoral Education
Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences

Victor Groza is the Grace F. Brody Professor of Parent-Child Studies and a licensed social worker. His research in child welfare focuses on three areas:

  1. An examination of the trauma from institutional care of children, ways to improve the care of children who must reside in institutions, and the short- and long-term impacts on child and family development from early trauma;
  2. Family, children and service system issues in domestic, older-child adoption and international adoption, all who bring to their family a trauma history; and
  3. Child welfare workforce issues, including managing secondary trauma.

Since 1991 he has been involved in various child welfare technical assistance, research and training projects in Romania, India, Ukraine, Guatemala and Ethiopia. His research, training and technical assistance has been used to change public policy, develop social services and improve the quality of the workforce globally.

Biosketch | Curriculum Vitae | Google Scholar | @VictorKGroza

Why I Teach

I teach to create the next generation of social workers who will provide services, lead organizations and create a better world for children and families. 

Why I Chose This Profession

I started my professional journey pursuing theology because I wanted to serve people. Social Work was a better path for me to pursue my desire to serve others. 

Education

Honorary Doctorate
West University of Timișoara, Romania
Doctor of Philosophy
Sociology
University of Oklahoma
Master of Social Work
University of Oklahoma
Bachelor of Arts
University of Tulsa