GTR Times

Kristin Richards appointed director of the Bachelor of Social Work Program

Jackson State University’s School of Social Work appoints Kristin Richards, Ph.D. as director of the Bachelor of Social Work program (BSW). She most recently served as associate vice president of Future Energy Solutions in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“Dr. Richards puts student-learning first and has added value to our Division of Social Work program here at Jackson State University. Her consistent drive for excellence moves our students and faculty along their journey to success,” said Interim Dean Russell Bennett, Ph.D., College of Health Sciences.

Prior to her time at Future Energy, Richards served as associate professor in the Master of Social Work programs at JSU and Mississippi Valley State University.

“I feel honored and blessed to be working in a leadership capacity at Jackson State University where my role is to help grow and develop strong leaders in our capital city. We need our graduates to choose to stay, work, and help our capital city to thrive,” said Richards.

Richards received her Doctor of Philosophy from Florida State University in social work in 2014, a Masters of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania in 2006, and her bachelor’s degree in social work from Belmont University in 2005. She also earned a certificate in financial planning from Florida State University.

As director, she hopes to inspire students to lead and engage in social entrepreneurship opportunities. Richards has hopes to enhance the university’s national profile through teaching innovation, scholarship, and enhanced student outcomes.

“We must always focus our time and attention to matters of recruitment, enrollment, and retention,” explained Richards. “Historically, the School of Social Work has had high enrollment numbers at JSU. We must also continue to adapt our teaching platforms to meet students where they are and better engage them.”

Richard currently participates in the Council on Social Work Education’s Program Directors Academy. Her scholarship focuses financial capability as well as the psychology of money, and she has co-authored several articles in the area.

Twice, she was selected to give presentations for the Council on Social Work Education. Richards received grant funding through Equifax, Inc., in conjunction with Florida State University, to explore creating a shared value model for businesses to better align their philanthropic endeavors with corporate practice.

Richards served as co-founder of the Financial Therapy Center at Florida State University.  She also served as a research fellow with the National Endowment for Financial Education.

Richards adores her two children, Griffin and Lila. Together, they enjoy spending time with their puppy, Scout.

Original source can be found here