Ross Aalgaard, Associate Professor

Profile

Ross A. Aalgaard, DSW, MDiv, LICSW, LADC started at Minnesota State University, Mankato in Fall 2013 as an Assistant Professor (fixed term) and in Fall 2014 continued as a tenure-track Assistant Professor. He has done social work as a psychotherapist in a non-profit, spiritually-based counseling center in Minneapolis, a hospital social worker at Hennepin County Medical Center, and an adjunct instructor. Before becoming a social worker, he had careers in pastoral ministry and customer service. He has served on the board of NASW-Minnesota chapter as MSW Student Representative, as a Treasurer, and a Member At-large. In addition to his faculty position, he practices as a psychotherapist at Mankato Marriage & Family Therapy Center. He completed his Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree in Clinical Practice and Leadership at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Post-doctoral studies led him to obtain a graduate certificate in addiction counseling from Winona State University. Prior to his doctoral studies, he received his Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in clinical social work from the College of Saint Catherine/University of Saint Thomas, his Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Bethel Theological Seminary, and his undergraduate degree from Northwestern College, all in Saint Paul, MN. His research interests include LGBT populations and issues, relationships and couples therapy, forgiveness and hope in mental health and wellness, trauma-informed practice, and substance use disorders.