Our July TWR is..

Johanna Miller Thomas!

1) What is your name and your current job title?

Johanna Thomas, PhD, LCSW

Director and Professor of the School of Social Work at the University of Arkansas

I’m also the CEO of my own consulting business - Necessary Eval, LLC

2) How did you come to hold your current position?

We had a lot of turnover in leadership and I really felt that I could provide the stability and advocacy that our faculty were looking for. It was both the worst time and best time for me to decide to seek out this position. I’ve been doing this for 3.5 years, in addition to my other duties as a professor.

3) What called you into becoming a social worker?

Honestly, I don’t know. Believe it or not, I didn’t have a high enough GRE score to get into a sociology program. Social Work sounded good, I felt like maybe I wanted to do something more applied than research. So I went and got my MSW. We did the “privilege” walk at orientation and I just knew I found the right place. The diversity and oppression class sealed the deal for me. I absolutely fell in love with the profession.

I thought I would just get my MSW and go into clinical practice. But like many new social workers I was so unsure of myself and scared to death to practice. So I decided to get my PhD because that sounded easier! Looking back, I had the skills to practice but I panicked. And I’m really glad I did! I love macro social work.

4) What is your favorite part about your job? The most difficult?

My absolute favorite part of my job is getting to brag on all of the amazing work of our faculty and students. So many amazing things happen because of the work they do and the students they teach. It’s such a privilege to witness growth and change and tell others about it. I love meeting new students and telling them about all of the opportunities social work can bring to their lives.

The hardest part is making really tough decisions, especially when it comes to personnel or a student that may need to be counseled out of the program. Those conversations are never easy.

5) What would you share with someone who wanted to become a social worker or to do your specific job?

The best thing I ever did for myself professionally was joining a leadership academy specific to my role and working with a professional job coach. I learned so much more about myself, my leadership and management style, and really how to give and receive feedback. The relationships I built with my cohort have stayed with me this whole time. I didn’t know how much I needed the community and the coach. This job can be very lonely.

6) Any final thoughts for the community??

I could write so much more! Find your passion. I mean, really find your passion. Without the work that I do with the community and providers in the community, I don’t think I could do my job at the School. It’s the fire deep in my soul. It keeps me in love with my profession. It is a constant reminder of just who I’m working for and why I’m working. Yes, it’s a job. It’s hard. I have terrible work - life balance, my self care is mostly trash, but I’m rarely going to say no to the community and state that I love.