Melissa Kay McCollister , PHD,MSW

“Justice is what love looks like in public." 
~Cornell West

For more than 20 years, I have taught and led macro social work practice in higher education, supporting and mentoring students from diverse urban and rural communities across Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, and Minnesota.

My work is grounded in the belief that love is the foundation of effective social work practice, love expressed through care for humanity, ethical leadership, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equity. I strive to help students translate values into action and develop the skills needed to lead change in complex systems.

I bring extensive experience in macro-level practice, including organizational management and leadership, anti-racism and anti-oppressive practice, and community capacity building to advance racial and social justice initiatives. My professional strengths also include grant writing and fundraising, applied research, policy advocacy, and program evaluation, with a focus on building sustainable, community-centered solutions.

Doctor of Philosophy: Capella University Minneapolis, MN, 2014 (Human Services, Non-Profit Management, Public Service Leadership )

Master of Social Work: The University of Akron Joint MSW Program with Cleveland State University Akron/Cleveland, OH, 2004 (Macro Social Work, Child Welfare )

Bachelor of Social Work: The University of Akron Akron, OH, 2003 (Generalist Social Work, Juvenile Justice )

My research and practice interests focus on macro social work practice and education, community engagement, trauma-informed leadership, and experiential learning. I am especially interested in how policy, organizational systems, and social determinants of health shape individual and community well-being, especially at the intersections of race, sexual orientation, and gender identity. My scholarship often incorporates participatory and creative methodologies that center lived experience, civic engagement, and social justice.

Peer Reviewed Publications

McCollister, M.K., Gregory, K., McKinley-Thompson, E., Hanson, B. (2025. ) Impact of State Policies in Iowa on the School Social Work Practice Model 2.0.Children and Schools, , 47 (2 ) , More Information

Book Chapter

McCollister, M.K. (2023 ) Addressing Racism as a Public Health Crisis: A Civic Duty Implications of Marginalization and Critical Race Theory on Social Justice .(pp. 106).IGI Global (Author)

Paper Presentations

McCollister, M.K., Hanson, B., and Jeffers, S. (2026. ) Project Isaiah, Letting Black Boys Lead: From Surviving to Thriving. CSWE Annual Conference. Atlanta, GA. Conference. Level:National

Council on Social Work Education Annual Conference

Academic - UC Blue Ash College
Muntz Hall 253E
Cincinatti  Ohio, 45236
mccollmk@ucmail.uc.edu