Laura Ramirez named Bachelor of Social Work program director

This fall, the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare named Laura Ramirez as program director for the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program.  

Ramirez, an associate professor of the practice, joined the School of Social Welfare in 2013. She has served in a variety of roles, contributing to the social work education at KU through teaching, advising, student retention and leadership.  

One of Ramirez’s stated goals as BSW program director is to help students follow a clear and supportive path through the professional curriculum, practicum, and graduation. 

“I work closely with students, academic staff, faculty, practicum staff, and our support services team to ensure students have opportunities to develop and demonstrate the nine social work competencies required for graduation. These competencies reflect the knowledge, values, skills, and professional behaviors students need to enter generalist social work practice with confidence,” Ramirez said. 

Ramirez is also a faculty affiliate for the Toni Johnson Center for Racial and Social Justice in the School of Social Welfare, and serves as the school’s liaison to Native communities, director of strategic initiatives, and impact advisor. 

An element of the role that excites Ramirez is how the program invests in students as people, with student support that extends beyond the classroom. Students in the School of Social Welfare have access to a variety of resources, including academic advising, faculty mentors, a dedicated Practicum Education Office, a student support coordinator to help with non-academic concerns, a professional writing consultant, and in-house mental health counseling.  

“We know that life can sometimes make it difficult to focus on school,” Ramirez said. “I’m proud that our students have people they can turn to for support while they continue learning, growing, and developing their professional identity as social workers.”