Dean May, Ed.D, MSW Department Head

Welcome to the Department of Social Work Academic Complex 211 Phone: 745-5312 Fax: 745-6841

The Department of Social Work continues to experience growth in terms of students, faculty, and programs. The BSW program is a thriving “middle-sized” program in terms of the number of social work majors and minors. The BSW program has been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1978. The MSW program enrolls nearly 115 graduate students and received initial accreditation from the CSWE in June, 2006. Our MSW program offers a unique concentration: advanced direct practice in rural settings. Significant departmental projects include the WKU Training Resource Center (TRC), the Public Child Welfare Certification Program (PCWCP), the Credit for Learning Project (CFL), and the MSW Cohort Studies Initiative.

Ms. Eileen Arnold, Dr. Muh Bi Lin, Ms. Jan Peeler, Dr. Dale Smith, Dr. Cindy Snyder, Dr. Gary Villereal, and Dr. Susan Wesley (BSW Program Director) all have primary assignment in the BSW program. Dr. Amy Cappiccie, Dr. Suzie Cashwell (CFL Program Director), Dr. Janice Chadha (MSW Program Director), Dr. Jay Gabbard, Ms. Vivian Hurt (Field Director), Dr. Dean May (Department Head), and Dr. Saundra Starks all have primary assignment to the MSW program. The Credit for Learning Project has one full time faculty member, Ms. Carol Robey. Ms. Lori Nicholas is the Distance Learning Field Coordinator for the MSW Cohort Studies Initiative. Ms. Vivian Hurt serves as the Field Director for both the BSW and MSW programs. Mr. Randy Johnson serves as the director of the WKU Training Resource Center (TRC). Office staff in the department include Emily Gouvas (Field Instruction/MSW Program), Marsha Hopper (CFL Project), and Janie Perdue (TRC grant).

I encourage you to peruse our website. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. I appreciate your interest in our department.

Take care,
J.Dean May, Ed.D., MSW
Department Head

Congratulations to
This Year’s
Faculty Award Winners

The University annually recognizes outstanding contributions by faculty members in the areas of Teaching, Research/Creativity, Public Service, and Student Advisement. The following faculty members were selected by each of the colleges for awards this year and were honored at the 2008 faculty awards reception held on April 1. These individuals are also the finalists for the University-wide awards that will be announced during Commencement. (names are shown from left to right)

College of Health & Human Services
Thomas Nicholson (Public Health) – Teaching Award
Jan Peeler (Social Work) – Student Advisement Award
Cindy Snyder (Social Work) – Research/Creativity Award
Tammie Stenger Ramsey (Physical Education & Recreation) – Public Service Award (not shown)