Gaynell Simpson

Dr. Gaynell M. Simpson is an associate professor of social work in the Human Services and Cultural Studies Department under the School of Liberal Arts. Simpson earned her Doctor of Philosophy, from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work in 2002. She earned a bachelor’s (1993) and a master’s degree (1994) from the University of Missouri-Columbia, School of Social Work. She has 10 years of engaging in mental health practice as a licensed clinical social worker. Simpson has taught in higher education since 1998 in the positions of adjunct faculty, assistant professor and associate professor at the BSW, MSW and Ph.D. levels in rural and urban regions.

She was awarded the John A. Hartford Geriatric Social Work Faculty Scholar in 2009. Her research focuses on the risk and protective factors associated with the mental and physical health of African American women, including minority aging and health disparities. She examines these areas from a qualitative methodological approach. Simpson has a solid track record of co-publishing refereed journal articles and presentations at national academic conferences.

Simpson’s teaching methodology is based on an experimental method which elicits cognitive and affective learning opportunities. Students are provided various experiential learning exercises which foster critical thinking and active collaboration for the pursuit of social and economic justice. In so doing, she helps to prepare students to practice competently and effectively with individuals, families and communities. Simpson assists students in becoming critical thinkers, lifelong learners, community leaders, collaborators and change agents to alleviate human suffering and improve the quality of life for all residents. Her areas of teaching interests are social work, gerontology, cultural diversity and qualitative social work research methods.

• Doctorate – social work – University of Maryland, Baltimore
• Master's – social work – University of Missouri-Columbia
• Bachelor's – social work – University of Missouri-Columbia

• Social work
• Gerontology
• Cultural competence
• Qualitative social work research methods

• John A. Hartford Geriatric Social Work Faculty Scholar Award
• Outstanding Faculty Award, honored for effective teaching and dedication to advisement Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
• Barbara Mikulski Caregiver Award, Baltimore City Commission on Aging Caregiving Award, recognition of her and the School of Social Work contributions to the field of aging and caregiving, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
• CSWE Minority Research Fellowship Award, National Institute of Mental Health, Council of Social Work Education, University of Maryland, School of Social Work, MD