Mimi Chapman, Ph.D., has been appointed the Frank A. Daniels Distinguished Professor for Human Services Policy Information, effective Aug. 1. The professorship was established in memory of Frank A. Daniels Sr., former publisher of The News & Observer, to help provide unbiased and readable information about social issues of concern.
“Dr. Chapman’s work speaks to the professorship’s purpose,” said Dean Gary Bowen. “Throughout her career, she has built bridges between real people’s needs and the university’s resources. She is an excellent example of a community-engaged scholar.”
Chapman, who earned her undergraduate degree in journalism and American studies, was the first graduate of UNC’s Ph.D. program in social work. She joined the School as an assistant professor in 2001 and was appointed associate dean for doctoral education in November 2018.
Over the years, Chapman has taught numerous MSW and doctoral courses. Her research has focused on social work practice, child abuse and neglect, children’s health and mental health, immigration and acculturation.
Bowen praised Chapman’s leadership and participation in cutting edge research and teaching, including her willingness to share ideas and innovation using mainstream social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook. Chapman also publishes a personal blog, where she reflects on current events, teaching, research, and international work, among other topics.
“As she has assumed leadership within our School and profession, these interests are more visible to others, and she is using them to benefit our collective work,” Bowen said. “In all her work, she exemplifies a collegial approach and works across disciplinary and organizational lines to accomplish multiple goals: innovative student learning, creating resources for underserved populations, modeling interdisciplinary cooperation, fostering community connections, and furthering the public conversation about social issues and challenges.”
In 2017, Chapman was selected to join the class of Fellows of the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR). The SSWR honors members who have served with distinction to advance the mission of the society to advance, disseminate, and translate research that addresses issues of social work practice and policy and promotes a diverse, equitable and just society.
Chapman is a previous recipient of the University’s Edward Kidder Graham Faculty Service Award, which recognizes distinguished service to the state, the nation and the University by a faculty member. She has also been selected multiple times over the past nine years as a recipient of the Dean’s Teaching Award at the School of Social Work.