Leadership
We continue to expand our reputation as leaders in social justice, community outreach and interdisciplinary scholarship.
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Fostering a commitment to creating change through education, research and service
Our faculty and staff are the foundation of our school. Their commitment to educating students and supporting them as they develop pathways in the fields of social work and couple and family therapy is the cornerstone of our programs.
You have the opportunity to learn from and connect with our renowned faculty and some of the best and brightest academic talent in the profession. Our faculty’s areas of expertise include child welfare, human trafficking, psychosocial oncology, substance abuse, aging and dementia care, refugees and immigrants, suicide awareness and prevention and more. Their passion and knowledge as researchers and educators shape the courses and classroom experiences.
You can bring change
“Many people watch the world happen around them and only hope to be a difference-maker. On the other hand, social workers and therapists boldly decide to influence people’s lives by offering support, helping them generate ideas and making space for individuals to maximize their potential. If you decide to further your education and professional development here at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science, you will join us in our mission to make the world a better place, one person and one family at a time.”
– John W. Miller, Jr., dean and professor in the Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science
Deans, Directors & Administrators
Becky Antle, PhD, MSSW, LMFT, professor and director of the Center for Family and Community Well-Being
Becky Antle's research focuses on evidence-based practice and implementation science issues; prevention and intervention programs in the areas of mental health and trauma, child maltreatment, domestic and dating violence, health risks and outcomes and workforce and training issues.
Anita Barbee, PhD, MSSW, professor, distinguished university scholar and director of the PhD program
Anita Barbee’s research areas of interest include child welfare systems and practice reform, understanding challenges and creating solutions for human services workforces and organizations and relationship formation and maintenance through social support, relationship education and violence prevention.
Karlynn BrintzenhofeSzoc, PhD, MSW, FAOSW, professor and the Dr. Renato LaRocca Endowed Chair in Oncology Social Work
Karlynn BrintzenhofeSzoc investigates how a cancer diagnosis and treatment influence BioPsychoSocialSpiritualSexualCultural (BPSSSC) dimensions of patients and caregivers throughout the cancer experience and beyond.
Laura Frey, PhD, LMFT, associate professor and director of the CFT program
Laura Frey’s research areas of interest include suicide prevention and intervention, disclosure and help-seeking behaviors, family communication and family support and safety planning.
Lynetta Mathis, DSW, MSW, LCSW, assistant professor of professional practice and associate dean of academic affairs
Lynetta Mathis’ scholarship interests focus on exploring student wellness and well-being in higher education with a goal of promoting student success through reducing barriers and strengthening supports.
John W. Miller, Jr., PhD, MSW, dean and professor in the Raymond A. Kent School
Dean Miller specializes in team and coalition building, leadership in social work education and program development. His research interests explore the relationship between racism and adverse childhood experiences among African Americans, equity, access and inclusion issues within social work, and faculty mentoring.
Elana Nance, lead fiscal officer and director of administration and operations
Elana Nance has more than 28 years of experience in financial management, budget and planning and operations at the University of Louisville. Her leadership and knowledge support the dean’s office and faculty in the areas of research, special projects and initiatives.
Armon Perry, PhD, MSW, professor and director of the BSW program
Armon Perry’s research areas of interest include fathers’ involvement with their children, as well as the micro and macro factors shaping men’s contributions to family functioning.
Susan Rhema, PhD, LCSW, MSW, assistant professor of professional practice and director of the MSSW program
Susan Rhema's research and practice areas include refugee and immigrant mental health; survivors of war, torture and human trafficking, trauma centered and culturally grounded assessment, body centered modalities and motivational interviewing.
Sunshine Rote, PhD, associate professor and associate dean of research
Sunshine Rote’s research areas include gerontology, mental health and statistics. Her research integrates the life course paradigm with psychosocial models to investigate the health of adults in mid-and late-life with a special emphasis on older Latinos.
Sharon Sanders, MSSW, LCSW, professor of professional practice and director of practicum education
Sharon Sanders’ professional areas of interest include children and families, mental health, child abuse, neglect and dependency and teaching, training and developing new social work professionals.
Heather Storer, PhD, MSW, associate professor and interim director of the DSW program
Heather Storer’s scholarship focuses on structural approaches to promote resilience and well-being among socially underrepresented youth at high risk for digital dating abuse, investigating the processes by which digital technologies and the media influence adolescent abuse survivors’ decision-making, meaning-making and healthy adaptation and development and partnering with youth to rewrite harmful narratives and center stories of strength, healthy adaptation and resistance.