Dr. Laura Honegger is an Assistant Professor in the
Department of Social Work at Governors State University. She earned her Ph.D.
in Social Welfare from Stony Brook University, her M.S. in Social Work from
Columbia University, and her B.S. in Social Work from the University of St.
Francis. A licensed clinical social worker, Dr. Honegger brings over a decade
of experience spanning clinical practice, research, and academic leadership.
Prior to joining Governors State University, she served as Department Chair,
Interim MSW Program Director, and Associate Professor at the University of St.
Francis, where she was recognized for her excellence in teaching and service.
Dr. Honegger is deeply committed to fostering professional
competence, critical thinking, and social justice within social work education.
She teaches across undergraduate and graduate levels, including foundational,
clinical, macro, and research courses. Her teaching philosophy centers on
active learning, trauma-informed pedagogy, and preparing students to integrate
evidence-based approaches into practice in a culturally responsive manner.
Dr. Honegger’s research examines the intersection of
behavioral health and the criminal justice system, with a focus on improving
outcomes for individuals with mental health needs who come into contact with
law enforcement and the courts. Her work includes evaluating problem-solving
courts, enhancing police responses during behavioral health crises, and
developing community-based diversion strategies that reduce incarceration and
promote recovery within the community. Her scholarship has appeared in leading
journals such as Criminal Justice and Behavior, Law and Human
Behavior, and Social Work, and she frequently presents at national
conferences, including the American Society of Criminology and the Council on
Social Work Education.
View L.Honegger.CV