Tona Zwanziger named director of Practicum Education department
Tona Zwanziger, a graduate of both Tulane’s Master of Social Work and Master of Science in Disaster Resilience Leadership programs, has been appointed director of the Practicum Education department.
Since joining Tulane School of Social Work in 2017, Zwanziger has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to student success. She has served in several key roles across the school, including Program Manager for the Disaster Resilience Leadership Academy, Assistant Director of the MSW Programs, and most recently Interim Director of MSW Programs and Practicum Education.
Throughout her tenure, Zwanziger has led numerous initiatives to enhance the MSW student experience. Her accomplishments include the implementation of a new practicum tracking platform, developing updated training programs, streamlining operational processes, and successfully negotiating the transition of practicum placement and oversight activities to an in-house model.
As Director of Practicum Education, Zwanziger will continue advancing TSSW’s commitment to academic rigor and excellence while strengthening partnerships with agencies and organizations that play a vital role in preparing future social workers. Her leadership will focus not only on ensuring high-quality practicum opportunities, but also cultivate a space where students feel supported and connected throughout their professional education journey.
A few of her immediate goals include the creation of an annual TSSW Community Connections Summit, and transitioning practicum operations in-house. The Summit will bring together current students, community partners, and faculty, for networking, career exploration, and engagement opportunities. The summit will help students build meaningful professional relationships, explore career pathways, and strengthen their connection to the broader social work community at both local and national levels. The nationwide community will be invited to engage in continuing educational opportunities to support the larger community of social workers.
Beginning in Fall 2026, Zwanziger will oversee the full transition of practicum placement and oversight activities to an in-house model, creating a more seamless and student-centered experience. This transition will enable TSSW to streamline communication, increase responsiveness, and provide more personalized support to students as they navigate their practicum placements and professional development. Newly hired Practicum Advisors, who are themselves social workers will provide direct guidance and individualized support to help students navigate their practicum placements located across the United States.
Looking ahead, Zwanziger envisions a practicum education model that is not simply a degree requirement, but the cornerstone of every student's professional formation. Her vision centers on creating an integrated, student-focused experience where academic learning, professional mentorship, and real-world practice come together to support students from admission through graduation and beyond.
“My goal is to cultivate an exceptional student experience that reflects my own time as an MSW student at TSSW—one grounded in academic rigor, meaningful mentorship, and a strong sense of belonging to the Tulane community," Zwanziger said. “The Practicum Education Team is ready to support students as they develop their professional identity, build confidence in their practice skills, and connect with a community that will sustain them throughout their careers”.
