Dr. Lacey Corneliusen, DSW, LCSW

Assistant Professor

Office: Memorial Hall - 230H
Email: lacey.corneliusen@minotstateu.edu
Phone Number: 701-858-3585

Education:
B.A. University of Montana, Missoula Montana (2008)
M.S.W Walla Walla University, Walla Walla Washington (2010)
D.S.W Capella University, Minneapolis, Minnesota (2021)

License:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker- North Dakota 2013

Dr. Lacey Corneliusen brings over 14 years of frontline experience to her role as an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Minot State University. She holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Rural and Environmental Studies and both master’s and doctoral degrees in Social Work with a clinical practice emphasis. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Dakota and has dedicated her career to improving mental health services and advocating for ethical, compassionate care.

Dr. Corneliusen’s clinical background spans diverse settings, including adolescent residential programs, inpatient hospitals, corrections, intensive in-home services, public schools, higher education, and private practice. Her hands-on experience continues to shape her teaching and research, as she remains committed to serving on the front lines of mental health. This dual role—practitioner and educator—fuels her passion for preparing students to excel in their future careers while fostering empathy, integrity, and resilience.

Her scholarly work focuses on mental health in college-age students, examining their unique challenges and needs to promote well-being during this critical period. She emphasizes improving support systems and accessibility to mental health services, using qualitative research methods to uncover barriers and develop actionable strategies for more effective service delivery. Her work is grounded in action research and systems theory, offering practical solutions that enhance student well-being, academic performance, and personal development.

Dr. Corneliusen’s research interests also include ethics, integrity, and moral courage within the social work profession; compassion fatigue and burnout; and mental health among adolescents and young adults. She has presented her findings both regionally and statewide, aiming to bridge the gap between theory and practice while inspiring positive change in the field.

Outside the classroom, Dr. Corneliusen serves as vice-chair of the North Dakota State Board of Social Work Examiners, where she works to uphold professional standards and advocate for the field. She is equally passionate about mentoring students, helping them navigate the complexities of social work with confidence and compassion.

When not teaching or researching, Dr. Corneliusen can often be found attempting to keep up with her two energetic young boys, who ensure she never has a dull moment. Originally from Montana, she and her husband love every opportunity to return to their home state to visit family and friends.