Dr. Lia Richards-Palmiter is an assistant professor of Social Work at the University of the District of Columbia, specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); faculty and student mentoring; and mental health issues affecting communities of color. With a distinguished career spanning leadership roles in social work education, DEI training, and graduate student recruitment, her research and publications focus on cultivating equitable academic environments and antiracism curriculum reform.
Experience
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development: Social Work, Marywood University Master of Social Work, University of Denver Bachelor of Science,Minors in Psychology and English, University of South Dakota
Roles
Assistant Professor, Social Work, UDC, 2024-Present Adjunct Professor, School of Social Work, Marywood University, 2001-Present Adjunct Professor, Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies, Marywood University, 2017-Present Director and Chair, School of Social Work, Marywood University, 2023-24 Chair, Diversity Committee, Marywood University, 2001-18 Member, Diversity Committee, Marywood University, 2018-24 Member, Curriculum Committee, Marywood University, 2022-24 Member, University Policy Committee, Marywood University, 2022-24 Chair, Dissertation Committee, Marywood University, 2014-24 Director, BSW program, Marywood University, 2022-23 Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, Marywood University, 2021-24 Member, Athletic Board, Marywood University, 2015-21 Director of Student Equity and Inclusion, Marywood University, 2018-21 Director of Diversity, Marywood University, 2001-18 Field Instructor, MSW & BSW, Marywood University, 2003-24 Member, Dissertation Committee, 2010-Present
Courses Taught
Approaches to Group Work Human Behavior in the Social Environment Intro to Critical Thinking and Intense Writing Equity and Inclusion Dissertation: Strategic Leadership and Admin. Studies Doctoral Dissertation: PsyD Race and Ethnicity Field Instruction 02 Social Work Research, Design and Methodology 1 Social Work Research Design and Methodology 2 Independent Study (BSW, MSW, PhD) Human Behavior and the Social Environment Foundations of Social Work Social Work with Neighborhoods, Communities, Organizations: Theory and Practice Introduction to Social Welfare Practice V: Admin in Social Work Human Behavior: Psychosocial Analysis of Human Behavior Contemporary Social Work Practice. Marywood Multicultural Issues in Psychology Critical Writing- Strategic Leadership and Admin Studies Child and the Family Ethics in Social Work First Year Experience
Expertise
Research Focus / Works in Progress
Mentoring students and faculty of color; DEI school and community trainings and practices; mental health issues with clients of color; qualitative inquiry
Leadership
Director and Chair of the School of Social Sork, Marywood University, 2023-24 Member, Lackawanna County Commissioner Gaughan/McGloin Transition Team, 2024 Director, BSW program, Marywood University, 2022-23 Director of Student Equity and Inclusion, Marywood University, 2018-21 Director of Diversity, Marywood University, 2001-18 Member, Numerous Boards in Scranton, Pennsylvania
Impact
Selected Publications
Lucas, Y., Richards-Palmiter, L., & John, L. (2024). The First year experience: Cultivating equitable environments for underserved students. Cognella Academic Publishing.
Richards-Palmiter, L. (2024). Case study: The Role of faculty members in recruiting and retaining diverse graduate student populations. In J. H. Paris & S. J.Kania III (Eds.), A comprehensive guide to graduate enrollment management: Advancing research and practice. Routledge.
Richards-Palmiter, L.M. (2022). Illuminating student's racial awareness to create a paradigm shift. American Association of Colleges and Universities Conference on Diversity, Equity, and Student Success, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Richards-Palmiter, L.M. (2022). DEI&J is social work. The Time is Right for Social Work NASW National Conference. Washington, D.C.
Selected Grants
Association of American Colleges and Universities. (2019). Truth, racial healing, and transformation.
Recognitions
Faculty and Staff Alumni Impact Award, 2022
Invited Participations
Richards-Palmiter, L.M. (2024). DEI training. Northeast Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center. Richards-Palmiter, L.M. (2024). Understanding ADEI & JB: Understanding implicit bias and microaggressions.Community Health Fellowship Training. Richards-Palmiter, L.M. (2023). Community training and facilitator DEI. Scranton Area Foundation. Richards-Palmiter, L.M. (2022). Diversity and strategic planning. Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce. Richards-Palmiter, L.M. (2022). How do we mobilize and strive together in NEPA? Proctor and Gamble.
