PSU History
Julie Kates, LCSW, Associate Professor of Practice earned her MSW at PSU in 1995. She has been employed by the School of Social Work on the Practicum Education Program since 2007 and was hired as the Director of Practicum Education in 2014.
Experience
Julie has been a faculty member, specializing in practicum education, in the School of Social Work since 2007. After being appointed as the Assistant Director of practicum In January 2009, she then became the Director of Practicum Education, Assistant Professor of Practice in 2014. She earned promotion to Associate Professor of Practice in 2021. Prior to becoming a faculty at the PSU School of Social Work, Julie worked as a community-based social worker for nine years in both clinical and administrative leadership roles.
Academic/Research Interest
Professor Kates is responsible for providing administrative oversight of practicum education within the MSW and BSW programs. She has worked intentionally and strategically to build an effective and successful program which has an external impact across the PSU campus, throughout Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and the national social work practicum education communities. Through her collaborative and dedicated leadership, the Practicum Education Program has focused on generative curriculum and program development that moved beyond just meeting the accreditation standards. Professor Kates is passionate about ethically driven, competency-based social work practicum education that supports students to gain the knowledge and skills they need to practice effectively. The Practicum Education Program maintains a commitment to centering racial equity and social justice in practicum education while simultaneously meeting all standards.
Personal Interests
Spending time with family (including her dog, a large breed St. Berdoodle), cooking, taking long walks with her best friends, exercising, and volunteering at community events.