Courtney McDermott

Courtney McDermott is an Associate Professor and Director of Field Education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis School of Social Work. She teaches the foundation seminar course and a BSW course on social policy, coordinates MSW field education programs, and focuses on macro-level social work, racial equity in field placements, and civil rights education.

She holds a BA from the University of Iowa (1996) and an MSW from Saint Louis University (2002). Her research spans racial equity, human rights, and policy practice, particularly in field education settings.

Her publications address racial equity in social work education and practice. She has secured over $30,000 in grants for civil rights tours and equity-focused programs. Awards include the Faculty Excellence in Civic Engagement Award (2018) and UMSL Student Involvement awards (2017, 2020).

Service Roles:

• 2019-Present: Community Engagement and Economic Development Strategic Planning Committee
• 2017 & 2020: Faculty advisor for Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol
• 2016-Present: Chair, BSW Professional Development Ad-hoc Committee
• 2015-2018: Coordinator, Student Advocacy Day bus trip
• 2015-Present: Chair, Awards and Scholarship Committee
• 2016-Present: Creator and Facilitator, Social Work Conversations
• 2015-Present: Co-creator & Co-facilitator, BSW Professional Development Workshop
• 2018, 2017, 2014: Faculty Search Committee
• 2013-Present: MSW Admissions Committee
• 2012-Present: BSW Admissions Committee

Current Leadership:

• Peer reviewer, The Field Educator journal
• Member, UMSL Civic Engagement Committee
• Secretary, Old North Restoration Group’s Board of Directors
• Member, Brown School of Social Work Racial Equity Advisory Board