Shantel Oplotnik serves as the Program Director of the Social Work Program and Assistant Professor of Social Work at Howard Payne University. A proud Howard Payne alumna, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from HPU before completing her Master of Social Work at Angelo State University. She is currently completing her Doctor of Social Work degree, with an expected graduation in December 2026.
With four years of teaching experience, Oplotnik is passionate about preparing students to connect social work theory with real-world practice. She teaches Introduction to Social Work, Human Behavior in the Social Environment II (HBSE II), Practice I, Social and Behavioral Science Research Theory, and Social Services and Policy in Rural Settings.
Of these courses, Social Services and Policy in Rural Settings is her favorite. The course frequently challenges students to see poverty, social services, and rural communities from perspectives they may not have previously considered. Oplotnik incorporates experiential learning both inside and outside the classroom, including participating in a poverty simulation in Waco, riding public transportation, serving meals at the Salvation Army, and completing a lunch-shopping activity based on a $1 budget to represent the global poverty line. These experiences allow students to move beyond textbooks and connect academic concepts to the realities faced by individuals and communities. For Oplotnik, watching students’ understanding deepen throughout the semester is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching.
One of the things she values most about teaching at Howard Payne is the opportunity to integrate biblical principles into the classroom while encouraging thoughtful discussion. She appreciates HPU’s strong sense of community and the freedom to teach in a way that aligns her Christian faith with her professional calling. She is also grateful for the supportive colleagues and positive campus environment that make Howard Payne feel like a special community.
Oplotnik’s passion for social work education is rooted in the lasting impact of meaningful teaching. She believes students often remember stories and real-world examples long after they leave the classroom. Having been shaped by her own experiences as an HPU student, she hopes to provide her students with lessons and experiences that remain with them throughout their careers and lives.
In addition to teaching, Oplotnik is involved in CSWE accreditation efforts and is working toward future publications and presentations planned for 2026. She is also an active member of Coggin Avenue Baptist Church.
Outside the classroom, much of Oplotnik’s time is dedicated to completing her doctoral program and supporting the Social Work Program’s accreditation work. When she has free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She is the proud mom of three children—Aiden, Owen, and Claire—and enjoys the busy life that comes with supporting them in their activities. On quieter weekends, she can often be found with a cup of coffee, a craft project nearby, and a crime show playing in the background.
