Michelle Kephart, MSW, LCSW, serves as the BSW Social Work Field Director and Instructor in the Applied Sociology and Social Work Department.  She earned a master's degree in Social Work from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and has obtained a Clinical License in Social Work in the state of Pennsylvania. Professor Kephart has a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education (K-12), with a minor in Athletic Coaching from Edinboro University of PA. She was also an Adjunct Professor in the Master Social Work program at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. 

Prior to working in academia, Professor Kephart was the Director of the Perry Elementary Community School within the Erie Public School District in partnership with the Erie County United Way and Erie Family Center. She has practiced as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in a Director, Supervisor, and Therapist role in the Functional Family Therapy modality at Family Services of NWPA, Reunification with the Erie Family Center, and Behavioral Health Services with the Sarah Reed Children’s Center. 

Professor Kephart serves as the Co-Advisor for the Sociology and Social Work Club and Advisor of the Phi Alpha Honor Society Club for Social Work Students. In these roles, she mentor’s social work students dedicated to excellence and high professional standards. She has supported the coordination of the Mercyhurst Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk sponsored by the Mercyhurst Social Work and Sociology Club and Active Minds and collaborates with outside organizations in providing resources around service support in our community, as well as developing Affiliation Agreements for future internship placements.

Professor Kephart enjoys teaching Diversity in Society as recognizing the importance of Diversity, Inclusion, Education, and Social Justice within our community. She currently sits on the Erie County Truancy Task Force and the Erie Coalition for Trauma Informed Communities (ECTIC).