Dr. Kathy McGraw: A Visionary Leader Ascends to the Role of MSW Program Director at Tulane School of Social Work

It is with great pleasure that we announce Dr. Kathy Oquelí McGraw as the new Program Director of the Master of Social Work (MSW) at Tulane School of Social Work. A seasoned veteran in the field, Dr. McGraw brings an impressive background and an extensive repertoire of experiences that span across the spheres of social work, mental health, education, and leadership.

A proud alumna of Tulane University, Dr. McGraw holds a PhD and Master of Social Work from the Tulane School of Social Work, and a Master of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health and Community Health Sciences from Tulane's School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Licensed as a Clinical Social Worker, Addiction Counselor, and Prevention Professional, her academic accomplishments are rivaled only by her unwavering dedication to her field.

Dr. McGraw's tenure within Tulane University is marked by her roles as Director of Field Education, Clinical Assistant Professor, and Undergraduate Course Coordinator, among others. As Director of Field Education, she significantly expanded the program by adding over a hundred new internship sites nationwide and instituting comprehensive revisions to field education courses, policies, and procedures.

A stalwart in higher education, Dr. McGraw has exhibited a robust student-centered approach throughout her career. She collaborated extensively across Tulane's MSW program and the Admissions and Enrollment department to enhance student support. Her wide-ranging expertise extends to serving as a panel member on Tulane’s undergraduate student conduct hearing, Title IX, and advisor boards, contributing significantly to creating a safe and respectful campus culture.

With over 25 years of experience, Dr. McGraw has made substantial contributions to mental health, public health, addiction, trauma-informed prevention services, and clinical supervision. Her professional journey includes founding and owning two successful businesses that have significantly benefited children and families in the Metropolitan New Orleans, River Region, and Bayou Region parishes and have provided professional development, coaching, and other training and assessment services to mental health and human services professionals.

Her leadership prowess was also evident during her time at Capella University. Serving in various leadership positions, she spearheaded numerous initiatives and committees, including the CSWE re-accreditation self-study and the creation of an interdisciplinary certificate in Anti-Racism. In addition to these responsibilities, Dr. McGraw also undertook the task of overseeing site visits, conducting audits, and guiding faculty members in best practices for effective grading and meeting professional standards.

Demonstrating her profound commitment to creating inclusive environments, Dr. McGraw has consistently championed diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has been instrumental in assessing student learning outcomes with a focus on equity and accessibility and has actively advocated for the needs of diverse student populations.

Her work extends beyond the walls of academia. As a published author, she has co-written two books centered on personal growth and self-improvement, underscoring her commitment to empowering individuals and fostering positive change.

Dr. Kathy Oquelí McGraw's assumption of the MSW Program Director role signifies the continuation of a remarkable legacy of leadership at Tulane School of Social Work. Her extensive experience, unwavering commitment to students, and innovative approach to education and leadership undoubtedly make her an excellent fit for this vital role.

As she steps into this new position, we are confident that Dr. McGraw will lead the MSW Program to new heights, fostering the next generation of social workers who are poised to make a significant impact in our society. We look forward to this new chapter in Tulane's history and the exceptional guidance that Dr. McGraw will bring to this position.