For Michael Guinn, the path to social work has always been about purpose, healing, and the transformative power of human connection. A Jacksonville, Texas native, Michael’s life reflects resilience in motion, having survived a childhood accident that left him with severe burns, earning a college scholarship in pole vaulting, completing both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work, and later serving in the military.
Michael’s talent for communication and empowerment emerged early in his career at Rusk State Psychiatric Hospital. Over 25 years, he has built a wide-ranging career as a published poet, award-winning actor, international spoken word champion, motivational speaker, and housing coach at TRAC. He has been featured in Amazon Prime series, short films, and commercials, performed at more than 1,500 events, published hundreds of works, and served as a voting member of the NAACP Image Awards. Through initiatives like Gettin’ Free, he remains committed to uplifting communities through art, advocacy, and authentic connection.
Michael Guinn speaks during the Social Work Symposium at the University of Texas at Arlington. (Photo by Thomas Johns)
Q: Why did you choose to attend UTA’s School of Social Work?
A: I was part of the 2001–2002 UTA MSW Program with advanced standing thanks to my BSW from Stephen F. Austin. I was also in the Title IV Program while working as a CPS Investigator. UTA offered the advanced training and professional support I needed at that point in my career.
Q: Describe your experience at UTA.
A: My time at UTA was filled with quality instruction from exceptional professionals. I experienced meaningful cultural awareness, exciting events, and strong student engagement. Being a student in the UTA School of Social Work was simply an amazing academic experience.
Q: How did UTA help prepare you for your career?
A: As an older student, I learned an incredible amount both professionally and personally. UTA provided accessible guidance, encouragement, and support every step of the way. It was truly an important and enriching part of my professional journey.
Q: Why are you passionate about using your social work degree across so many fields?
A: I am passionate because I know that the skills and training, I received from UTA School of Social work have prepared me to do amazing work. And for the past 22 years I’ve been excited to use those skills to make a difference in the lives of so many of our young people in crisis. This degree has enabled me to be the kind of stakeholder that I wish I had when I was homeless and in need of social support. This is why I have not lost one ounce of my drive to serve over the past 27 years. It has been an honor to be associated with this amazing school.
Q: Social work requires resilience and compassion. How do you manage the emotional and mental demands of your work?
A: I am able to manage and maintain the emotional and mental demands of this work by being able to use creative approaches to express myself, and in doing so, I’m able to achieve a balance that allows me to breathe and renew with each new case.
Q: What message would you share with the next generation of social workers?
A: I want to say that if you seek to work in the field of social service, then you should choose a program that prepares you both professionally and personally. UTA School of Social Work does just that. With them, it's personal. With them, it's about the WHOLE person. I often say: I didn’t choose social work. Social work chose me.