Kyaien O. Conner, the newly appointed dean of the University of Pittsburgh's School of Social Work, is poised to tackle the challenges facing the social work profession head-on. With a strong belief in the importance of social work, Conner aims to address the stigma surrounding the field and highlight its critical role in addressing mental health crises and other societal issues.
One of the key challenges Conner aims to address is the misunderstanding of social work as a profession. She emphasizes that social workers play a vital role in case management, healthcare, social services, and policy, and their contributions are often underestimated. By amplifying the impact of social workers and increasing community engagement, Conner hopes to dispel the stigma and showcase the profession's value.
The U.S. Department of Education's classification of Master of Social Work and Doctor of Social Work degrees as 'non-professional' has further fueled the stigma. Conner plans to advocate for the recognition of these degrees as professional, ensuring that federal student loan limits are not capped, and providing social workers with the support they need.
Conner's approach to leadership is community-centric. She aims to leverage the Pitt community to accelerate her goals, emphasizing both direct practice and community, organizational, and social change. This holistic approach, combined with collaboration across disciplines, will likely enhance the school's reputation and impact.
The School of Social Work offers a range of degrees, from bachelor's to doctoral, preparing students for diverse careers. Conner's focus on community engagement and collaboration aligns with the school's hands-on, engaging approach, ensuring that students are well-equipped to make a difference in the world.
Conner's academic journey, including her four degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, has equipped her with a deep understanding of the field. Her previous experience as associate dean and director of the Center on Race and Social Problems further demonstrates her commitment to addressing societal disparities and advancing responsive behavioral health interventions.
In her new role, Conner is excited to lead one of the top schools of social work in the nation, especially during a critical time in the country's history. She views the dean position as a partnership and a resource for collaboration, conversation, and support, reflecting her belief in the power of community and collective action to drive positive change.
