Meet Our World-Class Faculty
The Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work has been educating the next generation of aspiring social workers for nearly a century and is ranked on the U.S. News and World Reports list of top social work programs in the United States.1 The world-class faculty are research professionals deeply invested in the success of their students and will prepare them to become successful leaders in their communities, help them shatter the stigma surrounding mental health, and teach the methods to make a difference in the lives of others.
Nationally Recognized and Certified
Faculty members are highly experienced, nationally recognized researchers and mentors, many of whom have earned certifications including LCSW, LADC, MINT, and ACT.
Seasoned Practitioners
Our faculty is comprised of seasoned practitioners who bring valuable insights from real-world experience to the classroom.
Supportive Mentors
Instructors are highly engaged with students and take a mentorship approach in supporting academic and professional goals.
Cassandra Jackson-Smith
Cassandra Jackson-Smith was awarded Community Faculty of the Year for excellence in teaching and outstanding guidance and leadership from OU in 2021. In the past, she has worked as a Child Welfare Specialist for Oklahoma Human Services, a School-based Social Worker, and a Criminal Justice Diversion Specialist within the Tulsa County Juvenile Bureau for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Her research interests include the effects of poverty in the educational setting, intergenerational trauma, and gender studies. She received her BSW from Northeastern State University and MSW from the University of Oklahoma.
Kimberly M. Cassie, Ph.D.
As an educator and social worker, Dr. Kimberly Cassie has dedicated her career to gerontological social work. Her extensive experience working with older adults and caregivers informs her research on opportunities to improve the quality of life and care for this vulnerable population. Her work has been published in the Journal of Gerontological Social Work, the Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, and the Gerontologist. Dr. Cassie received her MSSW and Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee.
Kirby Cannon
Kirby Cannon received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to accepting a position as a member of the faculty, Kirby worked as a Case Worker, Senior Therapist, Senior Supervisor at a community mental health center, and Outpatient Supervisor specializing in clinical practice with children and their families. She also has experience working with adults who are experiencing homelessness and those who have been frequently hospitalized for mental health needs.
1 “2023 Best Graduate Schools - US News - U.S. News & World Report.” Accessed November 14, 2022. https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools.