About Us
History
Western Michigan University's educational program in alcohol and drug abuse was officially established in 1973. It began as a graduate specialty program (hence, the acronym SPADA) but later was designated as a certificate program in accordance with university policy.
The program was first conceived by the late George Mallinson, then dean of the Graduate College (who was also instrumental in developing the WMU blindness & low vision studies and physician assistant departments). Ever the entrepreneur, he was able to sense where the priorities for federal funding were moving and be early in line to assure that WMU was among the recipients and therefore in a position to create first-class programs.
Today, in addition to the graduate certificate, the program offers an undergraduate minor. The certificate program is available at five off-campus sites across Michigan, and distance education is a primary option in its presentation. It attracts many external contracts, totaling millions of dollars, and is considered the premier educational vehicle for prisoners and parolees throughout the state.
Today
Why WMU?
SPADA has been and continues to be a leader in the education of personnel who move successfully into a variety of positions in the realm of alcohol and substance abuse treatment. Its courses are taught by faculty from departments across the university, and the SPADA-affiliated faculty are sought out as consultants and as experts in the field. The entrenched nature of substance abuse and alcoholism in our society portends the need for educated personnel well into the future, and the graduates of the WMU program who have moved into influential and satisfying positions are testament to the effectiveness of the SPADA educational experience.
What is an educational program in alcohol and substance abuse?
The program's purpose is to provide a multidisciplinary, balanced orientation to theory and practice, consider a breadth of contemporary issues, and emphasize all methods for dealing with the problems of substance abuse.
The Profession and Opportunities
What do alcohol and substance abuse personnel do?
The course of study addresses varied aspects of service delivery such as continuum of care, prevention, assessment, treatment, and clinical supervision. Professionals in various fields, e.g., psychology, social work, corrections, sociology, management, and community education, use the knowledge and skills they acquire through the program to specialize in a variety of job settings where substance abuse and alcoholism demand attention.
Where do alcohol and substance abuse personnel work?
Completion of the program enhances employability for a number of careers in both public and private sectors. Some examples are:
- private practice
- inpatient, residential, & outpatient chemical dependency treatment programs
- public schools, colleges, and universities
- public health organizations
- law enforcement agencies
- local, state, and federal substance abuse policy-making organizations
- employee assistance programs
- churches