In December of 2008, I joined the faculty at the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Student Services.  In these roles I taught four classes each year and served as a support and resource person for the student body. 

In January 2013, I was promoted to Assistant Dean for Community Academic Programs and in September 2014 to Clinical Associate Professor.  In these roles I taught Advanced Standing Seminar and Power, Privilege and Oppression from a Critical Muliticultural Perspective. In addition, I provided oversight of academic programs such as - dual degrees, professional development, international initiatives and our distance programs in the Four Corners and Western Colorado areas. I have had the opportunity to travel to travel to South Africa, Tanzania, Bosnia, India, and China to pursue partnerships with local NGOs and universities on behalf of GSSW and have discovered some extraordinary community projects from which our students can learn.

As of July 2016, I have relinquished most of my administrative duties to return to my first love, teaching!

I am passionate about social justice and am proud of the role that our profession plays in promoting social justice for all. Each fall I lead an international experience course in Capetown, South Africa with my colleague and 10-12 students. It has been a wonderful opportunity for us all to explore issues of social justice in post-apartheid South Africa. I am also passionate about advising and mentoring students and especially enjoy advising students pursuing dual degrees and international experiences as well as those searching for direction or experiencing life transitions.

Prior to working at GSSW, I worked in Student Life at DU and directed the GLBT Student Services program on the Auraria Campus in downtown Denver.  I have done most of my social work practice in educational settings inlcuding Head Start and public schools at the elementary and secondary levels.

I am originally from Connecticut, but haven't lived there for over 35 years now.  I received my BSW from Syracuse University in New York state and then lived in Montana and Oregon prior to coming to Denver to get my MSW at DU.  I have been in Denver ever since and live with my partner.

Karen Bensen - CV

Visiting with a family receiving services in Chennai, India.

Visiting with a woman with AIDS in the hospital in Nammakal, India.