Michael Clarkson-Hendrix

Michael Clarkson-Hendrix is an Associate Professor of Social Work and Program Director in the Department of Sociocultural and Justice Sciences at the State University of New York at Fredonia. Holding a Ph.D. from University at Albany, SUNY and an LCSW-R license, he maintains active teaching responsibilities with office hours in Thompson Hall and extensive clinical practice experience in behavioral health and child welfare.

Education:

• Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY

Research Focus: Dr. Clarkson-Hendrix investigates behavioral health-disability intersections through workforce development, veteran services, and rural healthcare retention frameworks. His work employs mixed-methods designs to analyze workplace attachment theory, interprofessional collaboration impacts on burnout, and disability justice applications. Key projects include evaluating Chautauqua County Mental Hygiene programs and developing empowerment workshops for adults with serious mental illness.

Publication Trends: Recent scholarship demonstrates consistent emphasis on rural healthcare retention models, veterans' services integration, and disability-inclusive practice. His 2023-2025 works particularly examine social connectedness in Appalachian mental health clinics, interprofessional collaboration efficacy, and intersectional anti-oppressive approaches within disability communities, revealing strong translational research applications.

Grants and Professional Engagement: Secured a 2021 subaward from Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene for Addiction Services Leadership Development. Active in National Association of Social Workers, Network for Social Work Management, Council on Social Work Education, and Society for Social Work and Research. Current research addresses rural healthcare provider retention, disability inclusion via photovoice methodology, and veterans' mental health program evaluation.

Teaching Integration: Translates research into classroom practice through courses on behavioral health, disability issues, veteran services, and interprofessional collaboration. His curriculum development directly responds to workforce needs identified in rural healthcare and veterans' service settings, with particular emphasis on burnout prevention strategies and trauma-informed care frameworks.