This edition of Who Makes Millersville Special features Kathleen (Kat) Walsh, assistant professor of social work, who has been at Millersville since the summer of 2007.

Q: Why did you choose to work at Millersville?
A: There were many factors related to my decision to come to Millersville. Most importantly, I observed a feeling of “home” among the students, faculty, administrators and other MU team members. I really appreciated how dedicated everyone seemed to be. I also wanted to be in an academic institution that valued education and teaching as the top priority for faculty members.
Q: What classes do you teach here? Do you have any favorites?
A: I teach several classes in the bachelor’s and master’s social work program. I love the range of being able to teach the very first social work class to both majors and non-majors and then go to teaching experienced and hard working social work professionals in our master’s program. I love them all—it is hard to pick a favorite.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I like so much about my job at Millersville—the thing that I value the most however, is the diligence, hard work and commitment of everyone who goes to school and works here. I value the dedication to social work values and ethics that is embodied in our department and the institution at large.
Q: Is there a reason why you chose to social work?
A: I chose social work, and in particular, social work education, because I am passionate about people doing the right thing including promoting social justice. I have always been a macro-thinker and I want to promote positive social change—I chose education because I believe that we can touch many people who will in turn positively influence others, and the chain continues.
Q: Do you have any specific areas of interest in the field?
A: I am interested in workforce and social equity issues, social work values and ethics, macro social work practice including community organizing, administration and supervision.
Q: Do you work with the joint degree program with Shippensburg? If so – how does that work?
A: Yes. This is a collaborative program, and for the master’s of social work program, we have a joint faculty. Students can apply to either campus and will be able to take courses at Millersville or Shippensburg (depending on their home school), online, via videoconferencing and at the Dixon University Center. The program is tailored so that people are able to complete their degree by taking courses through a variety of means; courses are offered primarily in the evening and there’s even some weekend electives.
Q: What’s the long-term forecast for social work jobs?
A: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social work is a growing field. I think that nationally, there is an increase in those pursuing social work education and employment. I do believe that students need to continue to find ways to “distinguish” themselves from other social work majors to ensure that they are able to compete for the jobs of their choice and in their field/area of interest. Some ways that I think they can distinguish themselves is through academic achievement, extracurricular and volunteer service, field experience and leadership.
Q: Social workers are often portrayed by the media as “do-gooders” who think they can make all people better. What’s your opinion of that portrayal?
A: On the first day of SOWK 102, I ask my students to ask three people their opinion about what it is that social workers do. Interestingly, being a “do-gooder” is not among the most commonly referenced opinions. Therefore, in light of some of the other comments that I have heard, this characterization does not seem so bad. I believe that social workers are not accurately portrayed in the media and in Hollywood (if at all). In many cases, we are unable to defend ourselves against allegations due to confidentiality and privacy concerns and in many cases, the activities that social workers are accused of are not actually under the purview of the profession. For example, contrary to popular belief, we do not typically make “welfare”/public assistance financial determinations, and we cannot decide to “snatch” babies or other children without due legal processes.
Q: What college/university did you attend?
A: I attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
Q: What was your first job?
A: I worked at a radio station and obtained my FCC license to go “on-air” prior to obtaining my driver’s license.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Southern Maryland.
Q: What did you want to be when you were growing up? Why?
A: A drama queen. When you meet me, you will understand.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Free time??? I enjoy taking and teaching aerobic and fitness classes and most importantly, spending time with my family and friends.
Q: What is your favorite book, movie, music genre?
A: Good question, I had to think the most about this one. My favorite musical artists of all time are Michael Franti (and Spearhead), Janis Joplin, Willie Nelson and The Almighty Senators (Baltimore Band). Obviously, there is no unifying genre. If I have a babysitter and an opportunity to go out and watch a movie, I typically chose to go dancing instead; sadly, the same is true when it comes to reading a book.
Q: Did you have a role model as a child?
A: My grandmother! Oh, and Madonna.
Q: What is your greatest accomplishment?
A: Before I had children, I would say my career and my dedication to helping others including working post-9-11 as the executive director at an emergency services agency (and keeping the doors open). But now, its potty training my daughter, getting my kids out the door and to school in the morning and hopefully teaching them to leave the earth and the world better than they found it.
Q: If you could travel to any place in the world, where would it be and why?
A: First, I would like to overcome my fear of flying; then, I can consider the world of possibilities. Probably Ireland because my father’s family is from there and I would love to learn more about our heritage.