School of Social Work: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

Welcome to the School of Social Work

The School of Social Work is home to two outstanding programs, including both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Our programs are led by highly trained and experienced faculty and excellent advisors, and we welcome motivated students who seek quality education. We offer in-depth knowledge based on current research within the profession, along with experiential learning opportunities to apply that knowledge in a practical learning environment.

Explore Our Programs

Graduate:
Master of Social Work

Undergraduate:
Bachelor of Social Work

Minor:
Social Justice

Micro-Credentials:

Forensic Social Work
Gerontology: Dynamics of Aging
Serving Veterans and Families
Social Entrepreneurship
Trauma-Focused Care

Student Resources

Student Instructions for Canvas, OneDrive, Zoom, and Kaltura

Student Organizations

Textbooks for Classes

Centers & Services

Academic Support

FUEL NKU (Food Pantry)

Health Counseling & Student Wellness Center

LGBTQ Programs and Services

Norse Violence Prevention

Office of Student Accessibility

Student Services

Accreditation

Our NKU Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Learn More

News & Announcements

Sign being held up with two hands that reads "We're Hiring!" and a blue sky with clouds in the background,

We're Hiring School of Social Work Adjunct Faculty Applicant Pool

The School of Social Work is hiring for their Adjunct Faculty Applicant Pool

2021 School of Social Work MSW graduate, Justin Sanford, wins the 2021 Online Celebration Award

Justin Sanford wins 2021 Online Celebration Award

We are pleased to share that Justin Sanford’s research project was selected as the best presentation at the 2021 Online Celebration by a committee of faculty and staff reviewers. Congratulations to Justin – we are all so proud! Justin's exploratory, cross sectional study aimed to provide a picture of how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting mental health outcomes. 391 adults provided data through a self-administered survey. The survey revealed the depth of the mental health crisis we are in while providing insight for how social work clinicians can impactfully respond.

Dr. Amanda Brown MSW Online Interview

Read the latest interview on MSWOnline.org for Dr. Brown's "Expert in the Field" spotlight. NKU was selected to be listed on MSWOnline.org's online program highlited from the US.

Dr. Suk-hee Kim Awarded CSWE Distinguished Recent Contributions to Social Work Education Award

Dr. Suk-hee Kim receives CSWE Distinguished Recent Contributions to Social Work Education Award

Congratulations to our very own Dr. Suk-hee Kim for winning this prestigious award, which recognizes a social work educator's exemplary achievements

within the last 10 years in at least two areas; research and scholarship, pedagogy and curriculum development, and organizational leadership.

Dr. Suk-hee Kim receives the National CORSW Community Impact Award

Congratulations to Northern Kentucky University’s Dr. Suk-hee Kim, who received the Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work

Education (CORSW) Community Impact Award, a national recognition that celebrates feminist leadership models in social work education. See the link for more details about her significant accomplishment!

Dr. Katie Terhune Pioneers Age-Friendly University Initiative

Dr. Katie Terhune's work made Northern Kentucky University the first institution in Kentucky to join the global age-friendly university initiative.

Congratulations to Dr. Katie Terhune, who is involved in the global initiative along with 31 other universities, who highlight the role higher education can play in responding to the opportunities and challenges associated with our aging population.

Dr. Kevin Lotz Presents "We Didn't Start the First" Field Education in the LGBTQIA+ Homeless Shelter Annual Conference

Congrats to Dr. Kevin Lotz, who presented "We Didn't Start the First" Field Education in the LGBTQIA+ Homeless Shelter at the 66th Annual CSWE Conference, which discussed how to help equip and engage in areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion to transform challenges into assets, and also how to navigate matters of intersectionality and cultural sensitivity.

Our People

School of Social Work Administration

Social Work Faculty

Dr. Amanda Brown

MSW Director, School of Social Work
Associate Professor

MEP 222B
859-572-1383
browna53@nku.edu
Dr. Suk-hee Kim

Associate Professor, School of Social Work
PCWCP Site Coordinator
Institute for Health Innovation Faculty Fellow

MEP 239
859-572-6031
kims16@nku.edu
Dr. Megan Lindsey

BSW Director, School of Social Work
BSW Field Director, School of Social Work
Assistant Professor

MEP 237
859-572-7741
lindseym4@nku.edu
Dr. Kevin Lotz

Assistant Professor

MEP 258
859-572-7750
lotzk1@nku.edu
Dr. Caroline Macke

Associate Professor

MEP 233
859-572-6661
mackec1@nku.edu
Dr. Tara McLendon

Associate Professor

MEP 222C
859-572-1920
mclendont1@nku.edu
Dr. Reiko Ozaki

Assistant Professor

MEP 243
859-572-5167
ozakir1@nku.edu
Dr. Holly A. Riffe

Professor

MEP 235
859-572-5609
riffeh@nku.edu
Karen Tapp, J.D.

Associate Professor

MEP 222E
859-572-5605
tappk@nku.edu
James K. Taylor

Lecturer

MEP 245
859-572-5559
taylorj29@nku.edu
Dr. Jessica Averitt Taylor

Associate Professor

Director, FUEL NKU: Feeding the University & Enriching Lives

MEP 247
859-572-6511
taylorj28@nku.edu
Dr. Katherina Nikzad-Terhune

Assistant Professor

MEP 222G
859-572-6007
terhunek1@nku.edu
David Wilkerson

Lecturer, SBIRT Investigator

MEP 260
859-572-7841
wilkersond1@nku.edu