A Q&A with School of Social Work’s Kimberly Stauss

Kimberly Stauss, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair of the School of Social Work

In this conversation, Stauss talks about the importance of helping students find their own true power and authenticity, the thrill of trying something outside of your comfort zone, how much she loves spending time with friends and family, the joy of having multiple dogs, and her passion for being a dedicated advocate for faculty, students and the community.

Q. Tell us a little about your research, academic passions, and/or role within the college. What excites you about this?

I am currently the chair of the School Social Work. It has been an interesting year, full of growth and challenges but I have thoroughly enjoyed it.

To be honest, becoming a leader in the school has pushed me outside of my comfort zone. It’s given me a chance to “walk the walk” so to speak.

I have always shared with my students that in order to be a great social worker, we have to push ourselves outside our comfort zones and dig deep towards self-reflection. There are not many professions that require such introspection.

As chair of the school, I also want to see our faculty succeed. I am truly humbled by all of the great work our faculty members do and I want to be their strongest advocate if at all possible. We are a “small but mighty” group, completing some incredible scholarship, and also trying to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities every day. I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this team.

I can also say that social work is truly my passion. I love the profession and feel honored to be able to walk with individuals when they are at their most vulnerable and advocate for those who have been oppressed or feel silenced by their experiences.

What excites me as well is when I’ve witnessed students, individuals, and communities become greater than they ever thought they could. It’s thrilling to see that increased confidence and individual success both in with our clients and students.

My research interests are two-fold:

1) helping non-profit organizations and communities tell their stories through the development of evaluation and assessment protocols; and

2) development of innovative programming to better serve marginalized groups or individuals.

One of the programs I developed with another colleague is called “Letters to Children.” This program brings a series of letter writing sessions to incarcerated parents to help them reconnect with their children.

Each group session builds on the other. What we often see is that the program helps incarcerated parents see themselves more positively, builds stronger bonds with their children, and sometimes results in an emotional release of toxic shame that has impacted them for years.

Again, that is thrilling to witness and be a part of the process.

Q: How long have you been at Fulbright College? What have you enjoyed most about your time here?

This is my thirteenth year at the university. I have enjoyed working with individuals across the campus and developing these relationships.

When I’ve served on Fulbright College or university committees, it gives me a greater ability to develop those relationships.

I’ve been an Honors Council Representative over the past three years, and I have enjoy ed hearing about the great work our students are doing in other departments.

Also, I really love Fayetteville. I continue to say that even after all of these years and the community is progressive and welcoming and offers so many activities.

Q: What do you most hope your students remember from their classes and/or interactions with you?

I think students remember my classes because I try to break down the barriers of the student/professor relationship that academia often presents.

I encourage my students to call me by my first name and encourage them to become more comfortable with their authentic voice. Academia can be very hierarchal, consequently putting up false barriers where students are intimidated by their professors.

If we present ourselves as genuine, laugh at ourselves, and tear down the image that we “know it all” it allows others around us to find their own true power and authenticity … or at least that is what I hope.

We can tear down those boundaries while at the same time teach professionalism and respect.

Q: What do you like to do during your time outside of the university?

I’ve managed to develop a wonderful group of supportive female friends that call ourselves “the pod.” I truly could not have made it without them in my life.

Anytime I can get together with them is always a bonus. Many of our experiences together have been in the great outdoors, kayaking, biking, hiking … you name it.

I’m also a mother and a wife. My children were in kindergarten and third grade when I came to the university and they are now 18 and 21. They are my greatest joy and I love spending time with them.

I also truly want to support other females in academia who are mothers as well. It’s been a wild ride trying to juggle all of their activities while also completing scholarship.

Lastly, I’m a big dog person … although last year we found a little kitten in our shed and he now thinks he’s a dog too.

We’ve either found or adopted all of our four-legged friends and taking them for hikes and seeing how loved they are makes me happy.

My newest dog is Jane. I like to think of Jane Goodall, a woman who inspires me, when I go for walks with my dog.

Q: What’s up next on the horizon for you?

I would like to continue to see Letters to Children expand. We recently started it at a men and women’s DOC facility in Newport, Arkansas.

We also began an empirical study exploring its effectiveness and hope to bring it to other large facilities. I also am passionate about trying to leave a positive mark on the School of Social Work and my students.

I also see a small camper trailer, filled with my four-legged friends, sitting on the edge of a beautiful lake with my women friends and family surrounding me. I’m not sure when that will be but that is what I visualize.