Dean's Welcome

Welcome to the School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences (SESWPS) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Whether you are embarking on your educational journey, advancing your research, or preparing for the next stage of your professional career, it is my honor to welcome you to our community.

As the Inaugural Dean of SESWPS, I am excited to share what makes our school truly special. Established in 2022 through the UMKC Forward initiative, our school intentionally combined the Departments of Social Work and Psychology with the School of Education to create a single academic unit. This bold integration allows our students, faculty, and staff to access a wealth of cross-disciplinary resources and enhancing our programs.

In SESWPS, we are dedicated to a student-centered approach. We prepare our graduates to be critical thinkers who analyze and apply research to solve complex problems and advocates for inclusive excellence who work to disrupt systemic inequalities while advancing human rights. Our students develop into ethical professionals who practice with compassion and integrity, serving as community transformers who collaborate with local resources to prioritize the best interests of those they serve. Most importantly, we cultivate lifelong learners who value reflection and view challenges as vital opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Our academic programs offer a diverse range of paths for those looking to make a meaningful difference. In Social Work, we prepare practitioners to meet the needs of multicultural populations through a curriculum focused on social justice and community building. Our Psychology and Counseling students explore the roots of human behavior, preparing for careers in research, advocacy, and hands-on support. For those looking to lead, our Educational Leadership programs equip the next generation of administrators and policy-makers for roles in PK-12 and higher education. Our Teaching and Curriculum Studies department provides comprehensive preparation for new teachers, as well as advanced programs for experienced educators.

We pride ourselves on bridging instruction to real-world experiences by linking theory and world-class research with hands-on practice. Our students engage directly with the community through internships and practica, as well as through our specialized centers. Teacher education students use the Berkley Child and Family Development Center as a learning laboratory to provide research-based care for local children, while graduate psychology and counseling students at Community Counseling and Assessment Services (CCAS) provide vital, affordable mental health care to the Greater Kansas City area. Similarly, educators in the UMKC Pathways to Leadership in Urban Schools (UMKC PLUS) program participate in practice-based residencies within Kansas City schools to address educational inequality, just as students in the Institute for Urban Education (IUE) commit to teaching in urban schools to disrupt systemic inequities.

Our regional impact extends further through the Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC), which partners with PK-12 teachers and administrators to solve challenging issues and improve student outcomes. The Urban Education Research Center (UERC) conducts community-based research to positively impact the well-being and educational landscape of our city. These efforts ensure that our work is deeply rooted in the needs of the community we serve.

Our expert and passionate faculty and staff make this work possible. Our faculty are nationally recognized for their rigorous research in critical areas such as urban education, educational equity and social justice, mental health and well-being, and innovative teacher preparation.

They are dedicated to a shared mission of putting people first and moving communities forward. In a time when our professions face unprecedented challenges, we do not turn away; we rise to meet them through groundbreaking research and action. We are invested in your success every step of the way and look forward to partnering with you as you prepare to lead with purpose and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

We are thrilled to have you as a part of our community and look forward to supporting you as you prepare to move our city and professions forward.

Sincerely,

Sara R. Helfrich, Ph.D.
Inaugural Dean
School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences
University of Missouri-Kansas City