Janelle Barker Gibson

Janelle Barker Gibson is a Teaching Professor at the Brown School of Washington University in St. Louis, where she serves as the lead instructor for courses including Human Behavior in the Social Environment and Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities. She also functions as Assistant Dean for Social Work and has twice received recognition for excellence in teaching.

• MSW, Saint Louis University

Gibson’s research and professional focus centers on nonprofit management and leadership, social and economic development, and programs targeting women and girls. Her work emphasizes a macro practice lens in social work, particularly examining systemic economic and political structures influencing client outcomes and human behavior.

She authored the 2024 book The Social, Political, and Economic Environment for Social Work Practice, which provides frameworks for integrating mezzo/macro perspectives into client care. This resource aligns with her broader expertise in community development and social entrepreneurship.

• Excellence in Teaching Award
• Excellence in Teaching Award

With 25 years of experience in human services and healthcare, Gibson has held roles as a registered lobbyist, development professional, and community board member. She also provides management consulting for St. Louis nonprofits and has lectured internationally at Fudan University on nonprofit management.