Professor Stephanie Hunter will serve as the new Bachelor of Social Work Program director at the College of Social Work effective August 16, 2025. A veteran forensic social worker with more than 22 years of experience, she brings a strong understanding of real-world practice and a commitment to preparing students for the field.
Hunter specializes in criminal indigent defense. She currently serves as a capital mitigation specialist in both state and federal courts, working across the full legal spectrum, from pre-trial to clemency stages. Her areas of expertise span social justice policy, the intersection of neuroscience and the law and direct social work practice. Hunter’s research focuses on addressing the structural inequities that contribute to disparities in the U.S. penal system.
In addition to her professional practice, Hunter is an experienced educator who teaches both foundation and advanced direct practice courses in social work. Her teaching portfolio includes courses such as Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Research Methods, Social Welfare Policy and Forensic Social Work.
Hunter, a North Carolina native, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Religious Studies as well as her Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She completed her Doctor of Social Work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She currently serves as an assistant professor at the College of Social Work.
“Dr. Hunter brings a blend of professional experience, policy insight and a passion for teaching that aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare the next generation of social workers,” says Dean Teri Browne. “We welcome her to this leadership role and look forward to the impact she will have on the BSW program.”
"I'm honored to step into the role of BSW Program Director and to continue supporting the next generation of social workers,” says Hunter. “Our students bring passion, resilience and a deep commitment to justice, and it's a privilege to walk alongside them during this season of their lives. I look forward to building on our undergraduate program's strong foundation while advancing innovation, inclusion, and student-centered learning."