School of Social Work

Karen Chapman, M.S.W., M.P.A., LCSWA, is a program field coordinator in the School of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she supports B.S.W. and M.S.W. student field placements by cultivating agency partnerships, coordinating placements and contributing to accreditation reaffirmation efforts.

Karen brings extensive experience in social work education, clinical practice and accreditation. Prior to joining VCU, she served as an accreditation specialist at the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), where she guided baccalaureate and master’s social work programs through the accreditation process; and served as staff liaison for the Council on Field Education. She has held social work teaching positions at various institutions, where she taught courses across the social work curriculum, including field instruction, social welfare policy, research and human behavior.

Karen’s clinical background includes work as a medical social worker and community mental health clinician. Notably, she practiced as a medical social worker in Dublin, Ireland, and has used her international experience to prepare students for study abroad opportunities. She is published in peer-reviewed journals and has presented at national conferences on topics including accreditation, intercultural education and the use of therapeutic film.

Karen is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and holds licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate in North Carolina.

Outside of her professional work, Karen has a passion for international travel and brings a working knowledge of French to her global perspective on social work practice.

Education and credentials

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA), North Carolina
M.S.W., East Carolina University
M.P.A., College of Charleston
B.S.W., Appalachian State University