Chamberlain University MSW Graduate Nathaniel Blakey Advocates for Others

Key Takeaways

• Nathaniel Blakey spent more than 25 years in mental health work—including 18 years in law enforcement crisis-response programs—before retiring and enrolling in Chamberlain’s MSW program.
• Chamberlain’s 8-week courses and full-time or part-time enrollment options allowed Blakey to build his MSW education around his personal and professional commitments.
• Faculty mentorship shaped Blakey’s confidence and encouraged him to consider doctoral study.
• He continues to support Chamberlain’s community by participating in Student Connect sessions, during which he shares guidance with prospective MSW students.
• Blakey is dedicated to serving people experiencing homelessness, individuals living with mental illness, and law enforcement officers who need wellness support.

For many people, retirement signals a winding down. For Nathaniel Blakey, it opened a door he had never imagined. After more than two decades in mental health and law enforcement, he enrolled in Chamberlain’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program. Today he is a full-time doctoral student and advocate for vulnerable communities.

A Second Calling After Retirement

For Blakey, the decision to earn an MSW was the culmination of 25 years in mental health work, including 18 years specializing in law enforcement crisis-response programs. “I recognized that pursuing a career in social work would better position me to influence policy and promote systemic change across both the mental health and law enforcement sectors,” Blakey says. 

Chamberlain’s MSW program, with its focus on clinical practice, policy advocacy, and community engagement, offered the foundation to make that shift. Blakey wanted that foundation so he could help serve populations he had come to know well over the years: people experiencing homelessness, individuals with mental health challenges, and law enforcement personnel he once worked alongside.

Finding the Right Fit

The structure of an MSW program mattered as much to Blakey as its content. Chamberlain’s 8-week courses, paired with the option to study full time or part time, let him build his education around his life instead of the other way around. 

His first real look at the social work master’s program came through conversations with an Enrollment Representative, who walked him through the resources and wellness programs available to students. These were details, Blakey says, that “emphasized the university’s dedication to student success.” 

His independent research reinforced the impression. Reviews from current and former students gave him confidence that Chamberlain was the right institution for his master’s-level social work education.

Once Blakey started, the design of the coursework stood out to him. Each class built on the one before it, creating continuity that helped him absorb complex material in stages. The program also introduced him to new concepts that included motivational interviewing, empathic listening, and engagement strategies suited to different communities. He says these tools reshaped how he approaches his work today.

Faculty Members Who Left Their Mark

Blakey also found a fit with the Chamberlain MSW faculty. They provided mentorship that he says was, “transformative, fostering my confidence and encouraging me to explore research interests, [and] ultimately inspiring my pursuit of a Doctorate in Social Work (DSW).” 

Dr. Christopher Rocchio was the first to raise the idea of doctoral study, a path Blakey says he had never previously considered, while Dr. Shelly McDowell-Porter pushed him to engage more deeply with assignments and sharpen his academic writing.

Practicum Director Amanda Morgan left her own mark. When Blakey chose to complete his practicum hours two hours from home, she supported the decision without hesitation. This steadiness reflected a faculty community genuinely invested in his success, he says.

Blakey is also grateful for the faculty support he received while earning his degree. “Dr. Sara Strayer was instrumental in my development through her thoughtful feedback,” he said. ”To this day, I continue to revisit her comments, as they remain a source of inspiration."

Turning Education Into Advocacy

Blakey is putting his MSW directly to work advocating across three communities in particular in his day-to-day practice. 

“The practical skills and evidence-based methods I acquired enable me to advocate effectively for vulnerable populations, including the homeless and those with mental illness,” he says.

Blakey speaks about the homeless population with a sense of urgency, describing the work as a chance to provide tangible support and restore dignity to people often overlooked. He is equally committed to individuals living with mental health challenges, driven by a desire to reduce stigma and expand access to care. His third focus, law enforcement wellness, grew directly out of his own 18 years in crisis-response programs, where he watched officers carry trauma without adequate support.

That commitment shows up in concrete ways. Blakey regularly works with local and state initiatives to develop and expand wellness programs for officers, and law enforcement agencies routinely invite him to speak on officer wellness during briefings. His goal is to help departments treat mental health support as a normal part of the job rather than something to hide.

He has earned recognition along the way, including the Above and Beyond Award presented by the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. 

“I have never pursued my career with the intent of earning awards; instead, my work is driven by a passion for service, a commitment to improving lives, and the desire to make a meaningful impact in my community,” Blakey says. 

What stays with him are quieter moments: a phone call from a senior law enforcement official thanking him for years of steady work, and officers he once supported stopping him in public to say his efforts changed their lives. 

He also carries his mother’s words. “She was proud of the person I had become and of my ability to save lives,” he recalls. “Her words continue to inspire my dedication to service.”

The Next Chapter: A Doctor of Social Work 

The idea of earning a doctorate took root during an early Zoom conversation with Rocchio, who asked Blakey whether he had ever thought about it. 

“At the time, I explained that I had no intention of pursuing such a path, as my professional goals were focused elsewhere,” Blakey says.

But with encouragement from Rocchio and MSW program dean Dr. Stacey Borasky-Ferguson, he applied to DSW programs at several institutions during his final master’s courses and was accepted. When he met Borasky at commencement, she told him she looked forward to calling him Dr. Blakey one day.

“This brief yet impactful statement instilled in me confidence that is difficult to articulate. Reflecting on these experiences, I recognize the importance of engaging with faculty who genuinely see potential in their students,” Blakey says. 

His MSW training proved to be strong preparation for that next step. The rigor of his coursework and field practicums sharpened his academic writing and conceptual reasoning—skills he now applies to research proposals and doctoral analysis—and he has maintained a place on the President’s List throughout his doctoral studies. 

Through his DSW program, Blakey hopes to deepen his expertise, mentor future professionals, and contribute research supporting advocacy around mental health, homelessness, and law enforcement wellness. He is also now considering a role in teaching at the university level, a possibility he hadn’t imagined before his professors pointed it out.

Advice for MSW Students

Blakey starts his advice with a reality check: “Assuming that an online format equates to an easier experience is a common misconception, one I personally encountered during the initial weeks of my first course.”

Success in the MSW program requires, “consistent organization and active engagement,” he says. This includes: 

• Checking regularly for updates.
• Responding promptly to faculty communications.
• Proofreading all correspondence to maintain professionalism.
• Creating a quiet, dedicated study environment.
• Taking time to get familiar with Chamberlain’s resources—and using them.
• Seeking support from peers and faculty throughout the academic journey.
• Maximizing the practicum for its hands-on experience that informs future professional practice.

And although his MSW is behind him, Blakey continues to stay engaged with Chamberlain. At Borasky-Ferguson’s invitation, Blakey participates regularly in Student Connect sessions, answering questions from prospective MSW students. He describes this experience as, “a gesture I deeply appreciate and consider a true honor.”

“I believe it's important to openly share both my successes and challenges to help others navigate their journey with greater confidence,” he says.

Advice for Alumni Considering Advanced Study

For alumni weighing a doctorate or another advanced credential, Blakey recommends starting with reflection rather than momentum. 

Understanding that the commitment typically spans three to five years—depending on the program—helps set realistic expectations. He suggests researching programs closely for curricula and mentorship suited to individual goals and building a plan that accounts for work and personal responsibilities before classes begin.

“Graduate study demands resilience, discipline, and self-motivation, and at times you will feel lonely, as it involves rigorous critical thinking and research,” Blakey explains. “Use your professional experience to enrich your academic work and foster connections with faculty and peers. Stay open to new perspectives, as advanced education is as much about intellectual and professional growth as it is about earning credentials.”

Chamberlain’s Social Work Program

Chamberlain’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program is designed for students who are balancing advanced study with careers, families, and other responsibilities.

Full-time and part-time paths, delivered through 8-week courses, give students the opportunity to set a pace that fits their lives. Applicants who meet certain criteria may be eligible for Advanced Standing, allowing them to receive credit toward their degree.

In the MSW program’s second year, students choose a specialty track in Crisis and Response Interventions, Trauma, or Medical Social Work, or design their own focus. Field practicum placements let students apply classroom learning in real community settings, an experience Blakey points to as central to his own development.

The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the recognized accrediting body for social work education in the United States.

For Nathaniel Blakey, the right program, at the right moment, helped turn a lifetime of experience into a renewed sense of purpose. For those wondering how to become a social worker and interested in furthering their education, Chamberlain’s Enrollment Representatives are available to provide more information. 

Chamberlain University, an HLC-accredited institution, offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs in nursing and healthcare professions. With a growing network of campuses and robust online programs, Chamberlain continues to build on more than 135 years of excellence in preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CSWE, and why does accreditation matter? 

CSWE is the recognized accrediting body for social work education in the United States. CSWE accreditation means a program has met established standards for curriculum, faculty, and field experience.

Does Chamberlain’s MSW program offer full-time and part-time options?

Yes. Chamberlain structures its MSW degree program around 8-week courses and allows students to enroll full-time or part-time, giving them flexibility to fit coursework around work and family commitments.

What is the difference between an MSW and a DSW? 

An MSW is a master’s-level degree focused on clinical practice, policy, and community engagement, while a DSW is a doctoral-level degree emphasizing applied research and advanced leadership within the profession.

What does the MSW practicum experience involve? 

The practicum is a field-based component of the MSW program that allows students to apply classroom learning and evidence-based practices in real community and clinical settings.

What specialty tracks does Chamberlain’s MSW program offer? 

Students can choose a specialty track in Crisis and Response Interventions, Trauma, or Medical Social Work, or design their own focus to match their career goals.

By Chamberlain University