USD School of Health Sciences Success Spotlight

USD School of Health Sciences Success Spotlight: Benson Langat

Degree: Master of Social Work

Current Position: Clinical Social Worker, Family Service, Inc.

Clinical Social Worker Benson Langat came to the United States from Kenya to pursue an education. After earning his undergraduate degree in business administration and health science at the University of South Dakota in 2014, he went to work at Children's Home Society. 

"It was while I was working with kids at Children's Home, that I started feeling like I wanted to be able to do more," says Langat. "I had a good relationship with my USD professor who had been asking me when I was going to get my master's degree. I knew that's what I needed to be able to do the work I wanted to do with individuals and families." 

While some students love the convenience of online classes, Langat knew that was not for him. The USD School of Health Sciences Master of Social Work program allowed him to have the "in person" experience he wanted. 

"I chose USD because it was right here in Sioux Falls," he says. "I wanted the relationships that you build by being with classmates. I had a great experience as an undergrad, so it was not a hard decision for me."

Langat has taken what he learned and run with it - both literally and figuratively. Not only is he better equipped to help clients at the non-profit mental health facility where he works, but he has also helped launch meaningful community efforts like the 437 Project, a 437-mile run across the state for suicide prevention.  

"Statistics show that suicide rates are on the rise," says Langat, a professional runner and one of 12 people to run tge relay-style journey. "I liked the way the 437 Project ties both mental and physical health together to bring awareness to the issues of suicide and mental health."

Congratulations to this USD School of Health Sciences success story!