Geri Dickey, PhD, MSW is an experienced and accomplished social work practitioner who has dedicated over 15 years to serving clients in clinical settings. She has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a specialization in Clinical/Medical Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She later went on to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Social Work from the University of Missouri- Columbia.

Dr. Dickey’s teaching philosophy is rooted in her vast experience as a social work practitioner. She believes that social workers face a unique set of challenges in the current legal and regulatory climate, where laws and regulations may not always serve their clients’ best interests. Despite this, the aging Baby Boomer population and shifting economic landscape are creating new opportunities for social workers who are equipped with a robust skill set that goes beyond clinical expertise. She teaches her students to approach social work with critical thinking, communication (both oral and written), and the ability to collaborate effectively with teammates.

Dr. Dickey has held various academic positions, including Interim Dean of the College of Education and Health Professions at Park University, Associate Professor, Chair of the Social Work Department and Director of MSW Program, and Intern Chair of the Social Work Program at Park University. She has also served as an Assistant Professor at Park University and Missouri Western State University, where she was the Director of the BSW Program.