Overview

Rheanna Pierce, LMSWCA serves as the Associate Director of Field Practicum and an Assistant Clinical Professor in the School of Social Work at Wichita State University. A licensed Master social worker in Kansas, she is certified in Trauma-Informed Care and Resilience and brings experience in child welfare, community organizing, policy and higher education advocacy.

Pierce is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education, where her research broadly examines the intersection of belief systems, caregiving, and identity within social work practice. Her scholarly interests include trauma-informed pedagogy, caregiver ethics, love, social justice frameworks, and how practitioners navigate personal values while promoting equity and inclusion.

Her teaching philosophy emphasizes student-centered learning, community engagement, and reflective practice. Drawing from her professional and academic experience, Pierce incorporates trauma-informed and resilience-based approaches to create supportive, inclusive learning environments. She is committed to preparing students for the realities of social work through experiential learning, critical reflection, and advocacy-driven education.

Grounded in compassion and guided by a holistic understanding of human behavior, Pierce strives to cultivate future practitioners who are thoughtful, ethical, and equipped to promote systemic change across diverse communities.

Information

Academic Interests and Expertise
  • Trauma and Resilience Certified Level 1
  • NACP Certified Advocate
    • Child Welfare
    • Campus Advocacy
    • Domestic Violence
Areas of Teaching Interest
  • Undergraduate Practicum
  • Graduate Practicum
  • Advanced Research
  • General Practice Skills
  • Policy
  • Children and Families
Awards and Honors
  • Wichita State University Senior Honor Woman Honoree
  • Urban League of Professionals Collegiate Impact Dream Chaser Award
  • Wichita State University Gamma Phi Beta Greek Unity Award
  • Wichita State University Greek New Member of the Year Award
  • Wichita State University African American Faculty Staff Academic Scholarship
  • Wichita State University Healing Arts Showcases People's Choice Award
  • Wichita State University Naomi Anderson Social Work Fellowship
  • Wichita State University Shocker Leader Finalist
  • Wichita State University Graduate Student of the Year Finalist
  • Wichita State University Office of Diversity and Inclusion Phenomenal Woman Finalist
  • Wichita State University Student Government Association Graduate Assistant of the Year Finalist
Areas of Service
  • Youth Advocacy Coalition 
  • CASA of Sedgwick County
  • Community Operations Recovery Empowerment
  • Upward Bound Math and Science
  • Kansas Academy of Victims Assistance