Jacoba Rock

Dr. Jacoba Rock joined Boise State University in 2022 and is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor with the School of Social Work.  She earned a Doctorate in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Criminology from Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Sociology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Dr. Rock’s primary experience as a forensic social work practitioner and scholar focuses on needs, strengths, pathways, and treatment opportunities with incarcerated juveniles and young adults. She has provided consultation and testimony as a legal expert on over 50 cases of Juvenile Life Without Parole and other cases of juvenile sentencing in adult court. Dr. Rock is also a leader in state- and national- level policy initiatives and program development opportunities that initiate or enhance trauma-informed care, mental health service access, family involvement, and re-entry opportunities for incarcerated populations. Dr. Rock is also invested in progressing social work education through a focus on equity, innovation, and collaboration. She is an advocate for making a social work degree accessible and optimally valuable for students. Dr. Rock teaches across the social work practice, policy, and research curriculum, and has taught at B.S.W., M.S.W., and D.S.W. levels since 2012.