CSU Pueblo Mourns the Loss of Dr. Carol Langer, Pioneer of Master's Program in Social Work

CSU Pueblo is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Carol Lee (Schlosser) Langer, who died on March 4, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Langer, who retired in 2022, was a cornerstone of the university's Department of Social Work, serving as both Department Chair and Associate Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.

Dr. Langer's most enduring legacy at CSU Pueblo was her instrumental role in establishing the university's Master of Social Work program. She conducted the community needs assessment that demonstrated the necessity for the program and represented the department before the Board of Governors, successfully securing their approval along with $150,000 in startup funds. This critical funding enabled the department to hire faculty during the program's first three years, laying a foundation for what has become a vital educational resource for the region.

"Our department exists because she spent countless hours in advocacy and rolling up her sleeves to get the work done," said Dr. Arlene Reilly-Sandoval, current Chair of Social Work. "She was a tireless advocate of our Social Work program, the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, and Colorado State University Pueblo."

Dr. Langer was also a distinguished scholar, co-authoring the textbook "Applying Theory to Generalist Social Work Practice" (Wiley, 2015), which is used in the department's SW310 Theory course. The text is widely recognized for helping aspiring social workers integrate theory and practice in alignment with the Council on Social Work Education's standards.

After her retirement, Dr. Langer continued her commitment to CSU Pueblo as Professor Emeritus, serving as distance education faculty. In December 2020, she was honored with the university's five-year service award.

What made Dr. Langer especially beloved among colleagues was her deep appreciation for CSU Pueblo students. "She loved teaching and always stated that our students were unique in the U.S.; that they had a love of learning and humbleness that you will never find at another institution," Dr. Reilly-Sandoval noted. "Carol knew what she was talking about, as she had over 40 years' experience working in higher education at multiple institutions."

Born on October 8, 1949, in Dawson, Nebraska, Dr. Langer earned her bachelor's degree from Peru State College, a Master of Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a Doctorate in Sociology from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

She is survived by her three sons and their families. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM at West Center Chapel, with a private interment to follow at a later date.

The CSU Pueblo community extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Langer's family and all who were touched by her wisdom, compassion, and dedication to education and social work.