Karen R. McLean

Karen R. McLean is an Associate Professor and Department Chair of Social Work at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU). She holds degrees from the University of Connecticut, including a Ph.D. in Social Work, and has focused her career on policy and macro practice since joining WCSU in 2015. Her expertise is rooted in 26 years of public service in social welfare prior to her academic career.

• B.A. in Psychology, University of Connecticut
• M.S.W., University of Connecticut School of Social Work
• Ph.D., University of Connecticut School of Social Work

Dr. McLean’s research emphasizes community-based participatory research, cultural diversity, and social work mentoring. Her recent projects explore self-care practices among social work students, mentoring experiences of African American students at predominantly white institutions, and hair discrimination among students of color. She aims to foster dialogue on community differences to drive social change.

Her publications and presentations highlight trends in participatory action research, cultural competency, and macro-level social work interventions. Notable contributions include book chapters on qualitative research methods and a coauthored book on cultural diversity. Though no awards are explicitly listed, her work spans peer-reviewed journals, edited volumes, and workshops on social justice.

Dr. McLean has presented extensively at conferences, including the National Association of Social Workers and the National Association of Black Social Workers, addressing topics like trauma, empathetic engagement, and race. She also served as an adjunct professor for over a decade before joining WCSU full-time. Contact: brownk@wcsu.edu