Michelle Mohr Carney
- Dean
- Professor
Contact Info
Lawrence
Personal Links
Biography —
Michelle Mohr Carney, Ph.D., MSSA, is Dean and Professor in the School of Social Welfare at the University of Kansas and a nationally recognized scholar on intimate partner violence. She is an experienced academic leader who has led schools of social work within large public research universities for more than a decade, overseeing complex, multi-campus academic enterprises spanning education, research, and community engagement.
Her leadership is grounded in aligning people, systems, and strategy to advance student success, strengthen research impact, and expand access to high-quality professional education. She has successfully led accreditation processes, developed public-private partnerships, and supported the growth of externally funded research at the local, state, and federal levels, while strengthening universities’ roles as drivers of community impact.
Prior to joining the University of Kansas, Dr. Carney served as Director of the School of Social Work at Arizona State University, where she led a school of more than 2,000 students across four campuses and online programs, supported multiple research centers, and expanded access to high-quality professional education.
Her research focuses on improving family and community functioning by addressing intimate partner violence, with particular attention to how research can inform practice, policy, and system-level change. Her work emphasizes researcher–agency partnerships and has informed program development, judicial sentencing protocols, and treatment models across the United States and internationally, while also engaging students directly in the research process.
Dr. Carney’s scholarship challenges simplified narratives of violence and advances a more integrated approach to addressing complex forms of harm—one that aligns the ways problems are defined, interventions are designed, and systems are structured. Throughout her leadership and research, she focuses on strengthening institutions, so they are not only effective but also responsive to the people and communities they are intended to serve.
Education —
Research —
Intimate partner violence, at-risk youth, community practice, nonprofit development and management, program development and evaluation, leadership development, collaboration building and conflict resolution, grant writing, strategic planning.
Selected Publications —
Peer Reviewed (in print/in press)
Carney, M. M., & Barner, J. R. (2025). Prevalence of Partner Abuse, Emotional Abuse, and Control: A 10-Year Retrospective. Partner Abuse, 16(1), 146–172. http://doi.org/10.1891/PA-2024-0041
Jen, S., Bagwell-Gray, M., Diaz, A., Holder, M., Mohr-Carney, M., & Paceley, M. (2024). An Interwoven Narrative: Academic Mothers in the Pandemic Context. Affilia, 40(1), 9-16. https://doi.org/10.1177/08861099241282775
Ohmer, M. L., Mendenhall, A., Mohr Carney, M., & Adams, D. (2024). Community organizing and engagement for social change. Journal of Community Practice, 32(3), 261–266. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705422.2024.2389743
Carney, M. M., Mendenhall, A., Ohmer, M., & Adams, D. (2024). Balancing tensions in community work: A look at the influence of power. Journal of Community Practice, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705422.2024.2361845
Mendenhall, A. N., Santiago-SanRoman, A. H., Mohr Carney, M., Ohmer, M., & Adams, D. (2024). Pulling back the curtain on scholarly publishing: the journal of community practice experience. Journal of Community Practice, 32(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705422.2024.2334608
Carney, M. M., Adams, D., Mendenhall, A. & Ohmer, M. (2023) Civic engagement: an antidote to desperation?, Journal of Community Practice, 31(2), 121-126, DOI: 10.1080/10705422.2023.2224470
Adams, D., Ohmer, M., Mendenhall, A. & Carney, M. M. (2023) Global crises and hopefulness in community practice?, Journal of Community Practice, 31:1, 1-10, DOI: 10.1080/10705422.2023.2196967
Ohmer, M. L., Mendenhall, A., Carney, M. M., & Adams, D. (2022) Community engagement: evolution, challenges and opportunities for change, Journal of Community Practice, 30:4, 351-358, DOI: 10.1080/10705422.2022.2144061
Mendenhall, A., Adams, D., Ohmer, M. L. & Carney, M. M. (2022) A convergence of crises: how do we move community practice forward?, Journal of Community Practice, 30(3), 225-233, doi: 10.1080/10705422.2022.2106765
Mohr Carney, M., Adams, D., Mendenhall, A., & Ohmer, M. (2022). The lens of community. Journal of Community Practice, 30(2), 105–108. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705422.2022.2077598
Adams, D., Mendenhall, A., Ohmer, M. L., & Carney, M. M. (2022). Gratitude and introductions from the new Journal of Community Practice Editor Team. Journal of Community Practice, 30(1), 1–2. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705422.2022.2045812
Barner, J.R. & Carney, M. (2015). (2016). Intimate Partner Violence, Gender and Lethality: A Case Analysis of Two Fatalities. Journal of Forensic Social Work, 5(1–3). https://doi.org/10.1080/1936928x.2015.1095140
Mellinger, M. & Carney, M. (2014). Interpersonal Dependency Constructs and Male Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence. Journal of Forensic Social Work, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/1936928x.2013.866608
Carney, M. & Barner, J. R. (2013, September 29). #5 Prevalence of partner abuse: Rates of emotional abuse and control. https://domesticviolenceresearch.org/pdf/PASK.Tables5.Revised.pdf
Carney, M. M., PhD., & Barner, J. R., PhD. (2012). Prevalence of Partner Abuse: Rates of Emotional Abuse and Control. Partner Abuse, 3(3), 286-335. https://doi.org/10.1891/1946-6560.3.3.286
Okech, D., Barner, J., Segoshi, M., & Carney, M. (2014). MSW Student Experiences in Online vs. Face-to-Face Teaching Formats? Social Work Education, 33(1), 121–134. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2012.738661
Barner, J. R., & Carney, M. M. (2011). Interventions for Intimate Partner Violence: A Historical Review. Journal of Family Violence, 26(3), 235–244. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-011-9359-3
Buttell, F. P., & Carney, M. M. (2009). Examining the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Police Responses to Domestic Violence. Traumatology (Tallahassee, Fla.), 15(2), 6–9. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534765609334822
Buttell, F. P., & Carney, M. M. (2008). A Large Sample Investigation of Batterer Intervention Program Attrition: Evaluating the Impact of State Program Standards. Research on Social Work Practice, 18(3), 177–188. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731508314277
Buttell, F. P., & Carney, M. (2006). How to prepare MSW students to address domestic violence occurring in family systems: A research note. Arete, 30(2), 75-85
Carney, M., Buttell, F., & Dutton, D. (2007). Women who perpetrate intimate partner violence: A review of the literature with recommendations for treatment. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 12(1), 108–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2006.05.002
Buttell, F. P., Carney, M. M., & Miller, M. (2006). Empowering Battered Women by Validating Their Decision-Making Skills: The Role of Moral Development. Journal of Social Service Research, 32(4), 157–170. https://doi.org/10.1300/J079v32n04_09
Carney, M. M., & Buttell, F. (2006). Exploring the Relevance of Interpersonal Dependency as a Treatment Issue in Batterer Intervention. Research on Social Work Practice, 16(3), 276–286. https://doi.org/10.1080/09692290505282836
Carney, M. M., & Buttell, F. P. (2006). An Evaluation of a Court-Mandated Batterer Intervention Program: Investigating Differential Program Effect for African American and White Women. Research on Social Work Practice, 16(6), 571–581. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731506289115
Carney, M. M., Buttell, F. P., & Muldoon, J. (2006). Predictors of Batterer Intervention Program Attrition: Developing and Implementing Logistic Regression Models. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 43(2), 35–54. https://doi.org/10.1300/J076v43n02_02
Buttell, F. P., & Carney, M. M. (2006). A Large Sample Evaluation of a Court-Mandated Batterer Intervention Program: Investigating Differential Program Effect for African American and Caucasian Men. Research on Social Work Practice, 16(2), 121–131. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731505277306
Carney, M. M., & Buttell, F. P. (2005). Exploring the Relevance of Attachment Theory as a Dependent Variable in the Treatment of Women Mandated into Treatment for Domestic Violence Offenses. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 41(4), 33–61. https://doi.org/10.1300/J076v41n04_02
Buttell, F. P., & Carney, M. M. (2005). Do Batterer Intervention Programs Serve African American and Caucasian Batterers Equally Well? An Investigation of a 26-Week Program. Research on Social Work Practice, 15(1), 19–28. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731504267335
Buttell, F., Muldoon, J., & Carney, M. (2005). An Application of Attachment Theory to Court-Mandated Batterers. Journal of Family Violence, 20(4), 211–217. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-005-5984-z
Carney, M. M., & Buttell, F. P. (2004). A Multidimensional Evaluation of a Treatment Program for Female Batterers: A Pilot Study. Research on Social Work Practice, 14(4), 249–258. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731503262223
Carney, M. M., & Buttell, F. P. (2004). Psychological and Demographic Predictors of Treatment Attrition Among Women Assaulters. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 38(4), 7–25. https://doi.org/10.1300/J076v38n04_02
Buttell, F. P., & Carney, M. M. (2004). A Multidimensional Assessment of a Batterer Treatment Program: An Alert to a Problem? Research on Social Work Practice, 14(2), 93–101. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731503257867
Carney, M. M., & Buttell, F. P. (2003). Predicting Attrition to Prevent Service Gaps in Serving Juvenile Offenders. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 37(1), 67–79. https://doi.org/10.1300/J076v37n01_05
Carney, M. M., & Buttell, F. (2003). Reducing Juvenile Recidivism: Evaluating the Wraparound Services Model. Research on Social Work Practice, 13(5), 551–568. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731503253364
Buttell, F. P., & Carney, M. M. (2002). Psychological and demographic predictors of attrition among batterers court ordered into treatment. Social Work Research, 26(1), 31–41. https://doi.org/10.1093/swr/26.1.31
Buttell, F. P., & Carney, M. M. (2002). Client Satisfaction among Parents Attending a Mandatory Divorce Education Program: Results from a Five-Year Study. Arete (Columbia, S.C.), 26(1), 12–20
Wolfer, T. A., Carney, M., & Ward, J. (2002). Acquiring and Implementing Videoconferencing Technology to Enhance the Field Work Experience. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 19(4), 43–63. https://doi.org/10.1300/J017v19v04_04
Buttell, F. P., & Carney, M. M. (2001). Treatment Provider Awareness of the Possible Impact of the Internet on the Treatment of Sex Offenders: An Alert to a Problem. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 10(3), 117–125. https://doi.org/10.1300/J070v10n03_07
Manuscripts in progress
Carney, M. & Barner, J. R. #5 Prevalence of partner abuse, emotional abuse and control: A ten-year retrospective. The Partner Abuse State of Knowledge Project (PASK). Tables under review. March 2026 anticipated publication date. Domestic Violence Research – PARTNER ABUSE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE PROJECT (PASK): The world's largest domestic violence research data base, 2,657 pages, with summaries of 1700 peer-reviewed studies.
Bagwell-Gray, M.E., Paceley, M., Carney, M. M., Jen, S., & Riquino, M. It Still Comes Back to My Kids: A Qualitative Study of the Lived Experiences of BSW and MSW Student Mothers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Robinson, J., Carney, M. & Marshall, R. How feminist theory built a cage for violent women: Core feminist theory, historical narratives on violent women, and how these affect our current treatment for violent women.
Books
Mendenhall, A. N., & Carney, M. M. (2020). Rooted in Strengths: Celebrating the Strengths Perspective in Social Work. University of Kansas Libraries. http://hdl.handle.net/1808/30023
Buttell, F., & Carney, M.M. (2005). Women Who Perpetrate Relationship Violence: Moving Beyond Political Correctness (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315864419
(Published simultaneously as the Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, Vol. 41, No. 4)
Book Chapters
Carney, M. & Mendenhall, A. (2020). Preface. In Mendenhall, A. N. & Carney, M. M. (Eds.), Rooted in Strengths: Celebrating the Strengths Perspective in Social Work. University of Kansas Libraries. http://hdl.handle.net/1808/30023
Carney, M. M. (2015). Forensic Social Work with Women Who Use Violence in Intimate Relationships. In K. Corcoran & A. Roberts (Eds.), Social Workers’ Desk Reference (3rd Edition) (pp. 1172-1176). New York: Oxford Press.
Barner, J. R. & Carney, M. M. (2015). Interventions for Intimate Partner Violence: A Historical Review. In L. E. Ross (Ed.), Continuing the War Against Domestic Violence (2nd ed., Vol. 1, pp. 207–226). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/b17162-15
Carney, M. M. & Young, P. M. (2012). Attachment Theory. In C. Dulmus, K. Sowers & B. Thyer (Eds.) Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Theories for Social Work Practice (pp. 165-192). Somerset, NJ, USA: Wiley.
Carney, M. M. & Buttell, F. P. (2008). Attachment Theory. In K. Sowers & C. Dulmus (Series Eds.) & B. Thyer (Vol. Ed.), Comprehensive Handbook of Social Work and Social Welfare. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470373705.chsw002010
Buttell, F. & Carney, M. (2008). Afro-Centric intervention. In C. Renzetti & J. Edleson (Eds.) Encyclopedia of interpersonal violence (1st ed., Vol. 2). Sage. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781412963923
Buttell, F. P. & Carney, M. M. (2008). Moral Development Theory. In K. Sowers & C. Dulmus (Series Ed.) & B. Thyer (Vol. Ed.), Comprehensive Handbook of Social Work and Social Welfare. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470373705.chsw002016
Buttell, F. & Carney, M. (2007). Emerging trends in batterer intervention programming: Equipping forensic workers for effective practice. In A. Roberts & D. Springer (Eds.), Handbook of Forensic Mental Health with Victims and Offenders: Assessment, Treatment and Research (pp. 151-172). New York: Springer Publishing.
Carney, M. & Buttell, F. (2005). Exploring the relevance of Attachment Theory as a dependent variable in the treatment of women mandated into treatment for domestic violence offenses. In F. Buttell & Carney, M. M. (Eds.), Women who perpetrate relationship violence: Moving beyond political correctness (pp. 33-62). (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315864419
(Published simultaneously as the Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, Vol. 41, No. 4).
Carney, M. & Buttell, F. (2005). Forward. In F. Buttell & Carney, M. M. (Eds.), Women who perpetrate relationship violence: Moving beyond political correctness (pp. xv-xvii). (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315864419
Carney, M. (2001). Experimental research designs in evaluation. In Leon Ginsberg (Ed.) Social
Work Evaluation: Principles and Methods (pp. 155-176). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Selected Presentations —
Bagwell-Gray, M.E., Paceley, M., Carney, M. M., Jen, S., & Riquino, M. (2020, January). It Still Comes Back to My Kids: A Qualitative Study of the Lived Experiences of BSW and MSW Student Mothers during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Society for Social Work and Research 26th Annual Conference, Washington D.C.
Carney, M. & Meehan, J. 2014 (November). Increasing Nonprofit Organizational Capacity: An Evaluation of the Impact of Training and Individualized Technical Assistance. Paper presentation. Association for Nonprofit Research and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) Annual Conference, November 19-22, 2014, Denver, CO.
Motlagh, A. S., Carney, M. M., & Smith, M. L. 2014 (March). The importance of interdisciplinary collaborations: Mapping Coastal Georgia’s social and health services assets. Poster to be presented at the Georgia Public Health Association Annual Conference, March 10-11, 2013, Atlanta, GA.
Tetloff, M. & Carney, M. 2012 (October). Assessing the Role of the Professional Organizer within Sustainable Engagement. Paper presentation. 13th Annual National Outreach Scholarship Conference. Tuscaloosa, AL.
Carney, M. 2009 (June). Female Partner Violence Offenders: Current Research and Practice Implications. Invited Presenter at the From Ideology to Inclusion 2009: New Directions in Domestic Violence Research and Interventions Conference, Los Angeles, CA.
Carney, M. 2006 (February). Do Batterer Intervention Programs Serve African-American and Caucasian Batterers Equally Well? Paper presented at the 52nd Annual Program meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Chicago, IL.
Carney, M. & Buttell, F. 2006 (January). A large sample investigation of a batter intervention program: Investigating differential program effect for African-American and Caucasian men. Paper presented at the 10th Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, San Antonio, TX.
Carney, M. & Buttell, F. 2003 (January) Reducing Juvenile Recidivism: Evaluating the Wraparound Services Model, Society for Social Work and Research. Washington, DC.
Carney, M. & Buttell, F. 2002 (February) Serving Juvenile Offenders: Predicting Attrition to Prevent Service Gaps, Council on Social Work Education 48th Annual Program Meeting. Nashville, TN.
Buttell, F. & Carney, M. 2002 (February) Predictors of Attrition Among Batterers Court-Ordered into Treatment, Council on Social Work Education 48th Annual Program Meeting. Nashville, TN.
Buttell, F. & Carney, M. 2002 (January) Psychological and Demographic Predictors of Attrition Among Court-Ordered Batterers, Society for Social Work and Research. San Diego, CA.
Wolfer, T., Carney, M., & Ward, J. 2001 (January) Reconceptualizing the Field Liaison Role: Enhancing Student Learning with Video Conferencing Technology, Society for Social Work and Research. Atlanta, GA.
Farber, N., Carney, M. & Kelly B. 2000 (November) Practical and Ethical Dilemmas of Diversity for Practice in a Rural Southern Setting. Diversity Conference Social Work Practice. Atlanta, GA.
Carney, M., Wolfer, T., & Ward, J. 2000 (October). Reconceptualizing the Field Liaison Role: Enhancing Student Learning with Video Conferencing Technology. Baccalaureate Program Directors Meeting. Destin, FL.
Bronson, Denise & Carney, Michelle M. 2000 (July). The Importance of Establishing Intervention Integrity in Program and Practice Evaluation: Two Case Examples. Evaluation for Practice International Conference, July 12-14, West Yorkshire, England.
Carney, Michelle M. & Bronson, Denise. 2000 (January). Predicting Recidivism for Juvenile Delinquents. Society for Social Work Research, January 29-31, Charleston, SC.
Wolfer, Terry, Carney, Michelle, & Ward, Jim. 2000 (January). “What do Y’all Talk About?”: Assessing and Improving the Content of Field Liaison Visits. Society for Social Work Research, January 29-31, Charleston, SC.
Wolfer, Terry, Carney, Michelle, & Ward, Jim. 1999 (September). Acquiring Video Conferencing Technology to Enhance the Field Work Experience. Third Annual Technology Conference for Social Work Education and Practice, September 1-5, Charleston, SC.
Carney, Michelle M. & Bronson, Denise. 1998 (January). Wraparound Services for Juvenile Delinquent Youth: Practice Implications. International Conference on Research for Social Work Practice, January 24-26, 1998, North Miami, FL.
Bronson, Denise & Carney, Michelle. 1997 (March). Wraparound Services for Juvenile Delinquent Youth: An Empirical Evaluation. Forty-third Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, March 6-9, 1997, Chicago, IL.
Carney, Michelle M. & Bronson, Denise. 1996. An Evaluation of Wraparound Services for Juvenile Delinquents: Preliminary Findings. Forty-second Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, February 15-18, 1996, Washington, DC.
Bronson, D., Baird, P., Carney, M., Clapp, J., Irby, M., & Skeels, J. 1995. The Challenge of Providing Program Development and Outcome Evaluation. Fourteenth Annual Conference of the Ohio Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. March, 1995. Toledo, Ohio.
Awards & Honors —
Master of Arts, Nonprofit Management, University of Georgia
2011 - 2014
School of Social Work, University of Georgia
2012
Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach, University of Georgia
2011
School of Social Work Doctoral Program, University of Georgia
2010 - 2011
Master of Arts, Nonprofit Management, University of Georgia
2007 - 2009
School of Social Work, University of Georgia
2006
College of Social Work, University of South Carolina
1999 - 2004
College of Social Work, University of South Carolina
2004
Grants & Other Funded Activity —
Funded Grants
- July, 2016-June, 2017. Title IV-E, Arizona Department of Child Safety. Child Welfare Training Program (BSW/MSW). Approximately $6.5 million.
- July, 2015-June, 2016. Title IV-E, Arizona Department of Child Safety. Child Welfare Training Program (BSW/MSW). Approximately $6.5 million.
- October, 2009-October 2011. Administration for Children and Families 2009 Stimulus grant funding. Building Community Services That Grow Local Economies. $1,000,000 awarded to partnership of lead agencies - ACTION, Inc., Institute for Nonprofit Organizations, and Community Connections, Inc. Institute for Nonprofit Organizations awarded $72,000.
- September, 2009-September, 2010. Scholarship of Engagement, Office of Public Service and Outreach, University of Georgia. Creating an online community for nonprofit organizations. $5,500.
- September, 2001-September, 2002. Office of Population Affairs, Adolescent Family Life 2001 grant. Community Alliance for Pregnancy Prevention Education Program. $437,978.
- September, 2000- September, 2001. Office of Population Affairs, Adolescent Family Life 2000 grant. Community Alliance for Pregnancy Prevention Education Program. $242,033.
- September, 2000-September, 2001. US Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Public Health and Science. Community Alliance for Pregnancy Prevention Education Program. $79,699.