Rebeca Sandoval receives Budig Award for Excellence in Teaching
Rebeca Sandoval, assistant professor of the practice, is the 2025-2026 recipient of the Gene A. and Gretchen Budig Award for Excellence in Teaching from the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare.
Sandoval, who joined the KUSSW faculty full-time in fall 2023, has been a cornerstone to a new partnership with Kansas State University to offer a Master of Social Work program in Salina, Kansas.
For students in the Salina and Online MSW programs, Sandoval provides not only excellent instruction, but also substantial professional advising and mentorship. She recruits prospective students and offers ongoing support to graduates and practicing social workers.
Sandoval brings significant practice expertise to the classroom, as a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of professional social work experience. Sandoval’s approach to teaching is deeply rooted in her practice as a clinical social worker.
"Rebeca’s students appreciate her incorporation of her rich practice experience and best practices in social work education," a colleague in a letter nominating Sandoval for the Budig award. "Visitors to her online courses witness students’ engagement, her visible and enthusiastic commitment to their success in preparing for practice, and her consideration of their full humanity."
One of her students shared that being able to have Sandoval for both the generalist and advanced clinical practice courses was the reason she chose KU’s MSW program.
Outside of the classroom, Sandoval has presented multiple continuing education sessions focused on critical issues, including supporting high-conflict families and addressing the rising rates of adolescent anxiety.
About the Budig Award for Excellence in Teaching
The Budig Award for Excellence in Teaching celebrates outstanding contributions to teaching and learning at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. This award recognizes faculty who demonstrate exemplary commitment to student success, innovative teaching practices, and sustained professional growth.