Anne Foley '87 MSW, adjunct faculty in the School of Social Work, helps students connect policy theory to real-world impact
Anne Foley, who began teaching at social work courses in 1994, is a macro social worker who has taught in both the policy practice concentration and the generalist curriculum.
Anne Foley '87 MSW spent decades shaping public policy in Connecticut-and preparing UConn students to do the same. For more than 30 years, she's helped students connect policy theory to real-world impact at the UConn School of Social Work. This year, her dedication to teaching and mentorship has earned her the University of Connecticut Outstanding Adjunct Award.
The award recognizes adjunct faculty who demonstrate exceptional teaching, foster student engagement, and make meaningful contributions to the University community.
"It has been an incredible privilege to teach social work students at UConn," she says. "My focus has been to spark interest in social policy, engage students by combining academic learning with real-world skills, and help each student succeed. How remarkably fortunate I am to be able to do what I love best: teaching students about social work macro practice and then seeing them contribute to social justice here in Connecticut and around the country."
Foley, who began teaching at UConn SSW in 1994, is a macro social worker who has taught in both the policy practice concentration and the generalist curriculum. Her courses include Analysis of Social Welfare Policy and Social Service Delivery Systems; Macro Practice; Program Planning, Development, and Evaluation; Political Advocacy; Human Behavior in the Social Environment; Fundamental Processes in Policy Practice; Social Welfare Policies and Services and more.
I'm looking forward to many more years of adjunct teaching and preparing students . . . to help others and improve our world. -Anne Foley
Alongside her teaching, Foley gained real-world perspectives from experience working in state government. She served in several senior roles at the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management (OPM), including undersecretary, senior policy advisor to the secretary, and legislative program manager.
In those roles, she helped shape and implement policy on behalf of the Governor, working across the full spectrum of health and human services. Her work included developing legislative proposals, directing policy and planning efforts, and guiding major statewide initiatives. Among the efforts she contributed to are Medicaid expansion and its transformation from managed care to a fee-for-service model, the creation of the Department of Housing, nursing home rebalancing, and the planning and implementation of Access Health CT.
Foley also presented testimony to the Aging Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly as former chair of the Homemaker-Companion Agency Task Force, and to the Joint Committees on Public Health and Appropriations of the Connecticut General Assembly as a member of the Tobacco and Health Trust Fund. Additionally, as an advocate for animals and board member of Connecticut Votes for Animals, she provided testimony to the Connecticut General Assembly on Opposing Bear Hunting and Sunday Hunting and Supporting banning certain rodenticides and revising animal shelter regulations.
For students, her depth of experience translates into something tangible: a clearer understanding of how policy decisions are made-and how they can influence them.
"Anne is a beloved and highly impactful educator who brings real-world policymaking experience into the classroom," says Laura Curran, dean of the School of Social Work. "For more than three decades, she has inspired and mentored our students. She helps them see not only how systems work, but how they can change them."
Foley earned her BA in social work from Providence College, an MSW with a concentration in policy practice from UConn, and an MA in social policy from Brandeis University.
Even after decades in both government and higher education, she isn't slowing down.
"I'm looking forward to many more years of adjunct teaching and preparing students to launch their unique social work careers to help others and improve our world," she says.
