Dr. Nancy Kepple awarded 2024 Suzanne and Harry Statland Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarship

To acknowledge outstanding contributions within our School aimed at advancing scientific understanding and knowledge through scholarly pursuits and research endeavors, we are pleased to announce that this year’s Suzanne and Harry Statland Award recipient is Dr. Nancy Jo Kepple.

Dr. Kepple’s academic work delves into understanding the social ramifications of the availability, distribution, and utilization of psychoactive substances, particularly within the realm of child maltreatment. Her research endeavors concentrate on unraveling the intricate dynamics among parental substance use, neuropsychological functioning, social environment, and their impacts on parenting behaviors. Dr. Kepple, who serves as our MSW program director, has also expanded her focus to include teaching and pedagogical approaches in social work.

Nancy’s most recent research accomplishments include:

• A book chapter in the Handbook of Child Maltreatment titled: “Substance Use and Child Maltreatment: Providing a Framework for Understanding the Relationship Using Current Evidence.”
• A journal article in The Journal of Teaching in Social Work titled “Maintaining the Magic: Translating Practice Pedagogies across Course Modalities.”

Dr. Kepple’s research efforts epitomize a commitment to comprehensive inquiry and scholarly rigor, extending beyond her primary field of study. Her work reflects a dedication to unraveling complex social phenomena and their implications for individuals and communities alike. 

Additionally, she has collaborated with researchers from other fields, showcasing her ability to work across disciplines. Through her interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Kepple bridges gaps in understanding and cultivates insights that contribute to the broader field of substance use research.

Dr. Kepple’s engagement in research with students exemplifies a commendable form of scholarship, combining mentorship with hands-on research experience, thus serving as a noteworthy example of scholarly excellence.