GSSW alumnus named chair of the Board of Advocates
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him.” (Col. 2:6) While everyone’s walk with the Lord is different, Dr. Louis Gomez, MSW ’08, has found his calling by serving vulnerable populations.
This year, Gomez was named the chair of the Board of Advocates (BOA) at the Garland School of Social Work (GSSW) after being a loyal member for several years. Before joining the BOA, he was a part of the Houston Master of Social Work Committee, helping the GSSW open its second campus.
“I think it is important to give back to the school through service,” he said. “I am a proud Baylor alumnus, and I do everything I can to serve my alma mater.”
Gomez is an alumnus of the Garland School of Social Work and Truett Seminary. After graduating from Truett, Gomez pursued his chaplaincy residency at Scott and White in Temple. While there, he encountered social workers daily—which reignited his passion for social work. His goal was to combine it with his knowledge from Truett, and use it to help those struggling. To make this a reality, he decided to go back to Baylor and earn his master’s degree in social work, and later went on to earn his doctorate in clinical social work from Rutgers University.
“I knew I wanted to stay at Baylor for social work because I have a huge interest in faith and practice, and that set Baylor Social Work apart from other schools,” Gomez noted.
Gomez is selfless and sincerely believes in the work of the Garland School of Social Work, just as he believes in his work with clients at his private practice in Houston.
“I see how physical and psychological illness impacts the lives of people [who are homebound],” Gomez said. “I address their needs such as past due utility bills or connecting them with needed community resources. I advocate for them and educate them about the convoluted American healthcare system.”
“I think it is important to give back to the school through service,” he said. “I am a proud Baylor alumnus, and I do everything I can to serve my alma mater.”
Gomez also has deep roots with the Baptist church and has worked with several ministries over the years including Antioch church and Highland Baptist in Waco.
He has also worked with an athletic ministry called Hockey Ministries International for more than 15 years where he counsels athletes all over the United States.
Dean Jon Singletary expressed his excitement about all Gomez will accomplish as the new chair of the BOA. He has demonstrated leadership through countless acts of service, ministry, and giving throughout the years.
“We appreciate Dr. Gomez and his willingness to serve the students and faculty at the Garland School of Social Work,” Singletary said. “He wholeheartedly gives of his time and resources through his work with us which makes a true impact on the communities and individuals we serve. Thank you, Louis!”