Jennifer Chappell Deckert

Dr. Jennifer Chappell Deckert is associate professor of social work and field coordinator at Bethel College. Jennifer has 20 years of social work practice experience in the areas of international social work, school social work, mediation and human rights. She earned a B.A. in peace studies and international development from Bethel and an MSW from the University of Michigan, where she studied community organization and interpersonal practice.

Jennifer currently teaches social work intervention, research methods, field seminars and social welfare policy analysis. Additionally, she is a faculty adviser for the student-run feminist club, Femcore, and the Social Work Student Organization and serves on the advisory board of Bethel's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Board. She is active in the community as a high-conflict mediator, a parent, and a volunteer/advocate for various initiatives to support migrant populations.

Jennifer earned her doctorate from the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, where she studied migration and social inclusion. She has also completed a Graduate Certificate in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. Her research interests include global social work, mental health, migration, social work theory, anti-oppressive practice and human rights.