Biography

Dr. Erica Vasquez is a dedicated social work educator, researcher, and practitioner whose career bridges clinical practice with academic leadership. A Texas native, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BSW) from Tarleton State University (Texas A&M University System), followed by a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from Abilene Christian University, and a Ph.D. in Social Work from Colorado State University.

As an Assistant Professor of Social Work in the Department of Social Work and Sociology at Lipscomb University, Dr. Vasquez brings a unique integration of scholarly expertise and extensive social work experience to her teaching. She also holds an adjunct faculty position at the University of Denver's Graduate School of Social Work, expanding her educational impact across institutions. At Lipscomb University, she actively contributes to the Interprofessional Education (IPE) Committee, fostering collaborative approaches to healthcare and social work education that prepare students for real-world practice.

Dr. Vasquez joined Lipscomb University's full-time faculty in fall 2024 after serving three years as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Graduate Social Work Department at Abilene Christian University. During her tenure at ACU, she co-advised graduate students' theses and contributed to numerous university committees, helping the next generation of social work professionals through mentorship and institutional leadership.

Her academic career is grounded in over a decade of direct social work practice across diverse settings in Texas and Colorado. Dr. Vasquez's clinical experience encompasses home health, hospice and palliative care, inpatient and outpatient behavioral health, medical social work, and child welfare—providing her with deep, practical knowledge that enriches her teaching. Her commitment to global social justice has taken her to Uganda, Africa, where she engaged in international social work practice. A licensed social worker in Colorado, she maintains her connection to practice through ongoing volunteer work both locally and internationally. She currently serves on the education work group for the Tennessee Interprofessional Practice and Education Consortium (TIPEC), contributing to statewide efforts to advance interprofessional collaboration.

Dr. Vasquez's scholarship addresses critical social issues, with publications focusing on anti-child sex trafficking and human trafficking prevention. Her collaborative research with students encompasses topics such as mental health, medical social work, horticultural therapy, trauma-informed care, youth homelessness, foster care, and other social work grand challenges. Through her teaching, practice, and scholarship, Dr. Vasquez demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the social work profession, advocating for equitable treatment for all and serving others with dedication and compassion.

Academic Degrees

• BSW in Social Work, Tarleton State University
• MSSW in Social Work, Abilene Christian University
• PH.D. in Social Work, Colorado State University