Published on : October 7, 2021
Kesslyn Brade Stennis, PhD, MSW, MDiv, has joined the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) as the director of the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP).
Brade Stennis previously served as the executive director of the Dorothy I. Height Center for the Advancement of Social Justice at Coppin State University where she was also a professor. She brings 25 years of education experience to the MFP and her scholarship has focused on topics that affect African American communities, faith communities, and women.“Kesslyn brings a true passion for social work education to CSWE and she believes in the impact that MFP has had on social work and the impact the program can have in the future. We are very excited for her leadership and we are certain that she will be a dynamic leader of one of CSWE’s most dynamic programs,” said CSWE President and CEO Darla Spence Coffey, PhD, MSW.
For 47 years, CSWE’s MFP has served students at the masters and doctoral levels who are preparing to provide leadership in practice, research, teaching, and policy promulgation in government and private organizations serving underrepresented and underserved persons with or at risk for mental health and/or substance abuse disorders.
“It is truly an honor and a responsibility to be in this position. I was introduced to MFP by my former chair who was also an alumna, and I have been able to introduce other fellows, now alumni, to the program as well,” said Brade Stennis. “So, it is incredible to think of the generations of social workers and educators that MFP has served, and I am excited for the opportunity to continue this work and build on this program.”
She has served as an editorial consultant, reviewer, or editor for various professional journals including the Journal of Social Work Education, Social Work, Social Work and Christianity, Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought. Additionally, she chaired and co- chaired international meetings, facilitated organizational task groups, and holds the distinction of being the first African American woman to serve as President of the Board of Directors of the North American Association of Christians in Social Work.
Some of her most recent research and grant awards consider family violence and abuse, community responses to violent crimes, sexual health and wellness, the impact of gentrification on Black faith communities, and women’s leadership development.