BIO
Jess Bowers is an associate professor in the Department of Sociology and Social Work at UW-Stevens Point. She is program director for the Social Work bachelor’s degree program and coordinates the Social Work Field Education Program. Bower is an advanced practice social worker who worked at the Marathon County Department of Social Services in the realm of child welfare before joining the UWSP faculty. In addition, Bowers is licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction in school social work.
On campus, Bowers is active on the Center for Prevention Advisory Committee for the Dean of Students and works on the advisory committee for Women and Gender Studies. For the past four years, Bowers has been a member of the Portage County Hoarding Task Force.
AWARDS
- UW-Stevens Point, University Service Award (2023)
RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Child Abuse Prevention
- Child Welfare
PUBLICATIONS
David Barry and Jess Bowers (2025). “Barriers to Incorporating Religion and Spirituality in Social Work Practice: A Case Study in the US.” Health & Social Work, 0(0), 1-9.
Maguire-J. K. and Bowers, J. (2015). “Marathon County community response: Voluntary services for families screened out of child protective services.” Child Welfare, 93(5), 65-82. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313373504_Marathon_County_Community_Response_Voluntary_Services_for_Families_Screened_out_of_Child_Protective_Services
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- National Association of Social Workers
ADVICE
Listen more than you talk, because you are unlikely to learn anything by just listening to yourself talk.
FUN FACT
When she was growing up, she wanted to be a social worker.