By Gerard Flanagan, news writer/photographer/social media, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Dr. Michelle Tucker has been named dean of the Carver School of Social Work at Campbellsville University.
“Almost 25 years ago, I found my calling at Campbellsville University as a BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) graduate,” Tucker said. “The Lord has been faithful in guiding and providing me opportunities to continue to grow and serve.
“I am honored to serve as the dean of the Carver School of Social Work. I look forward to working alongside my faculty and staff to continue the long tradition of providing quality social work education.”
Tucker had served as interim dean of the Carver School prior to being named dean.
Dr. Helen Mudd, professor of social work and outgoing dean of the Carver School, said she and the faculty and staff of the Carver School “are thrilled to have Dr. Tucker as our new dean.”
“Dr. Tucker has proven herself to be a capable leader that inspires others to be their very best,” Mudd said. “She is knowledgeable, demonstrates exceptional leadership skills, and cares deeply about students, faculty, the social work program and our university.”
Mudd said Tucker demonstrates “transformational leadership” in empowering people to do what is best for the social work program and the university.
“It is anticipated that the legacy and footprint of our Carver School will continue to grow and expand under the leadership of Dean Michelle Tucker,” Mudd said. “She is a blessing to me and to our program.”
Tucker, a 1989 graduate of Taylor County High School, graduated from Campbellsville University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Social Work. She earned her Master of Social Work in 2004 from the University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work.
She also earned her Ph.D. in Social Work from U of L's Kent School of Social Work. Her dissertation was titled “Predictors of Critical Thinking as a Component of an Outcomes Assessment in a Graduate level School of Social Work.”
Tucker served as social service clinician for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Campbellsville from 1999 to 2005. She also taught at the Kent School of Social Work.
In September 2021, Tucker received the Distinguished Professor Award—the highest award given to a faculty member at Campbellsville University.
“The Carver School of Social Work is known for academic rigor and producing highly skilled social workers,” Dr. Donna Hedgepath, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said. “Dr. Tucker has been an exemplary faculty member in the Carver School and has consistently added to that reputation.
“She is a skilled leader and has a passion for preparing students for their careers. Her time as interim dean confirmed that she was the right choice to lead the Carver School.”
Tucker has worked at Campbellsville University since August 2008. From 2019 to 2022, she served as associate dean of the Carver School. She was also Master of Social Work (MSW) program director from 2016 to 2022 and associate director of the MSW program from 2012 to 2015.
She is a member of the Council of Social Work Education and National Association of Social Workers.
Tucker is married to Frank Tucker. They have four children: Joshua, Sydney, Donald and Frankie. Tucker is the daughter of Mike and Kathy Ramsey of Campbellsville and Jerry Gupton of Dayton, Ohio.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that has enrolled up to 12,000 students yearly. The university offers over 100 programs of study including doctoral, masters, bachelors, associate and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.