Kristin W. Mapson

Dr. Kristin Mapson is a Professor of Social Work in the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She began her academic career at the university as an Assistant Professor in the fall of 2013. Over time, Dr. Mapson has contributed to both the academic and administrative aspects of the School of Social Work, helping to support and strengthen the program.

In addition to her teaching and research, Dr. Mapson has held several roles within the School of Social Work, including MSW Program Coordinator, Associate School Director, and Interim Director of the School of Social Work. In these capacities, she has collaborated with colleagues to strengthen the program's offerings, enhance student support, and encourage research focused on addressing critical social issues. Dr. Mapson has also served as the Interim Associate Dean of Research and Innovation in the College of Health and Human Services.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Mapson enjoys horseback riding and playing tennis, hobbies that provide a chance to relax, stay active, and maintain a balanced lifestyle. These activities also allow her to connect with nature and focus on personal well-being.

Education

PhD in Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington
MSW, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
B.A, Purdue University

Specialization in Teaching

Dr. Mapson is deeply committed to fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment for her students. Her teaching focuses on social work theory and practice, where she emphasizes critical thinking, cultural competency, and ethical decision-making. She strives to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex social issues and support vulnerable populations. She has taught courses across the MSW and BSW curriculum. In addition, she teaches in the Honors College and has taught graduate students in the Watson College of Education.

Research Interests

Dr. Mapson's research interests include resilience, forensic social work, and solution-focused brief therapy. She has authored two books, published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and contributed to securing over a million dollars in sponsored programs.

Professional Service

Dr. Mapson has an extensive record of professional service. She has served as a federal grant reviewer for various programs, including the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s National Center on Restorative Justice (FY 19 and FY 20), the SAMHSA Offender Reentry Program (2018), and the SBIRT program (2016). Additionally, she has reviewed grants for the DHHS, including the Healthy Marriages and Relationship Education program and the New Pathways for Fathers and Families initiative in 2015.

Dr. Mapson has also contributed to the Council on Social Work Education Commission on Research, serving as a Commissioner from 2017 to 2024 and as Chair from 2021 to 2024. She has been actively involved with the Solution Focused University, serving on its Research Committee from 2018 to 2020. From 2015 to 2018, she was a part of the Emerging Baccalaureate Social Work Educator-Scholars Initiative through BPD, helping to support and mentor emerging social work educators.

She has held several leadership positions within the Solution Focused Brief Therapy Association, including Conference Committee Chair in 2015 and Research Day Organizer in 2014. She has also been a member of the Research Committee since 2013 and has served on the editorial board for Research on Social Work Practice from 2015 to 2018.

Dr. Mapson serves as an ad hoc reviewer for several academic journals, including Evaluation and Program Planning, Children and Youth Services Review, Research on Social Work Practice, Social Work Research, Journal of Social Work, Journal of Technology in Human Services, Oxford Press, Wiley, and Qualitative Research.

Community Engagement

Dr. Mapson is deeply committed to community engagement and has worked closely with various organizations to support evaluation and research projects aimed at addressing critical social issues. She has partnered with numerous local organiaztions, offering her expertise to help assess and improve the effectiveness of programs designed to support vulnerable populations. Her service extends into non-profit work, where she served on the Board of Directors for Leading Into New Communities, a Wilmington-based organization, from 2016 to 2023. Through these collaborations, Dr. Mapson has contributed to the development of evidence-based solutions and has helped to strengthen community programs, fostering positive social change and enhancing service delivery.

Honors & Awards

2020-2021 Applied Learning Senior Faculty Fellow

2019-2020 Applied Learning Senior Faculty Fellow

2019 Research Faculty Fellow

2018 Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award University of North Carolina Wilmington

2018 Faculty International Travel Award University of North Carolina Wilmington

2017 Honorable Mention, SAGE/CSWE Commission on Research Faculty Award for Innovation in Research Instruction

2015 Emerging Baccalaureate Social Work Educator/Scholar Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors

2015 UNCW Faculty Research Scholar

2015-2019 Applied Learning Teaching Community Faculty Fellow

2015 Center for Healthy Communities Faculty Affiliate

2013 Faculty International Travel Award