Erma M. Ballenger

Director, Undergraduate Studies &
Assistant Director, School of Social Work
University of Missouri-Columbia

Professional Affiliation:

Association of Baccalaureate Program Directors (Membership Committee), Council on Social Work Education, National Association of Social Workers, North American Association of Christians in Social Work, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.

Professional/Civic Involvement:

Advisory Boards: Voluntary Action Center; Rainbow House; Eldercare; Missouri Association of Marriage and Family Therapy-Chair, membership; MJJA - Disproportionate Minority Representation in Corrections.

Statement:

BPD is the premiere voice of undergraduate social work education. Its history is rich in supporting excellence in undergraduate social work education through its leadership, annual meetings, publications and online support services. I would like the privilege of serving BPD in a more direct and contributory way, helping to advance this outstanding legacy. If elected to the nominations committee, I will work to identify outstanding leaders who will continue to bring vision, passion, and productivity to the Board; and I will work diligently in the position to further the goals of the organization.

Barbara Coats

I am a Clinical Assistant Professor and Interim BSW Program Director at Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago. I have an AM from the University of Chicago Social Service Administration. For the past 7 years I was the BSW Field Coordinator and was instrumental in developing community-based practice sites for field placements. My social work background began in1965 serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Sierra Leone, West Africa, working in one of the first community projects. I entered academia late in my social work career after spending 20+ years in an array of social work setting-working with the severe mentally ill, people with chronic medical problems and crisis intervention. I am committed to strengthening BSW programs with an emphasis on curriculum development, diversity issues and community-based practice. For the last 5 years I have attended BPD and have been a member of the Field Division Committee and Advanced Standing Committee. I have felt so honored to be part of a group like BPD and welcome the opportunity to serve on the nominating committee. I have often been encouraged when BPD's have taken a political stance and our commitment to social economic and political justice is strong. I feel that I can contribute to the organization by identifying people committed to BSW education and to help us continue as leaders in the field of social work.