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 Associate 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, 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.

Dr. Corneliusen’s primary research focuses on improving access to mental health support for college-age populations. Her previous qualitative study explored barriers to mental health services in higher education and identified strategies to strengthen institutional support systems. This work has been shared nationally as part of ongoing efforts to inform best practices in student mental health. Her current research examines the use of virtual reality as a potential intervention to reduce stress and anxiety among college students, contributing to the exploration of innovative, low-barrier wellness tools.

Her additional research interests include moral courage, integrity, professional ethics, compassion fatigue, and promoting resilience and burnout awareness. In addition to teaching and research, Dr. Corneliusen provides consulting services to a government agency with a focus on mental health and serves as Vice Chair of the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.

Beyond her professional and academic roles, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two energetic boys. Originally from Montana, she values every opportunity to return home and reconnect with family and the outdoors.