Kathleen Murray Preble

Dr. Kathleen Murray Preble is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Arlington, focusing on human trafficking research and community engagement. She holds a PhD in Social Work (UTA, 2016), an MSW (UTA, 2005), and a BA in Political Science (Ohio University, 1999).

• Education:
• PhD, Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, 2016
• MSW, Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, 2005
• BA, Political Science, Ohio University, 1999

Her research centers on improving service access for trafficking survivors, enhancing practitioner resilience, and addressing systemic gaps in anti-trafficking responses. She is a RISE 100 community-engaged scholar and serves on the boards of Healing Action Inc. and the Missouri Coalition Against Trafficking and Exploitation.

Recent articles highlight strategic planning for anti-trafficking initiatives, substance use among survivors, and demographic analyses of trafficking experiences. Her work emphasizes survivor-centered methodologies and intersectional approaches.

• Awards:
• 2024 Community Impact Award (Healing Action Inc.)
• 2024 Research and Scholarship Impact Award (UTA School of Social Work)
• 2020 Presidential Engagement Fellow (University of Missouri System)

Dr. Preble advises doctoral and master’s students on trafficking-related research and supervises postdoctoral and undergraduate projects. She leads grants such as the Coalition Against Trafficking and Exploitation (Missouri Foundation for Health) and collaborates with law enforcement and community organizations.