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Published on : February 18, 2026
CSWE Welcomes Dr. Kimberly R. Mayes as New Minority Fellowship Program Director
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) proudly announces that Kimberly R. Mayes, DSW, LCSW, has been tapped as the new Director of the CSWE Minority Fellowship Program (MFP). With more than 20 years of experience across higher education, healthcare, and nonprofit settings, Dr. Mayes brings a wealth of leadership experience in student development, mentorship, program design, and equity centered practice.
As part of this role, Dr. Mayes will lead national initiatives focused on strengthening the behavioral health workforce and supporting emerging scholars committed to advancing mental health equity in historically marginalized communities. Her work will be focused on competent social work leadership development, scholar mentorship, and fostering academic pathways that prepare the next generation of social work professionals and researchers.
“I am deeply honored to join CSWE and lead the Minority Fellowship Program at such a pivotal moment in its 50-year legacy,” said Dr. Mayes. “Throughout my career, mentorship and student development have been central to my work, and the MFP embodies those values. I am committed to ensuring our fellows feel supported, empowered, and equipped to shape the future of behavioral health.”
The MFP, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, provides monetary stipends, professional development training, mentorship, and other supports to MSW students who are completing their social work degrees. It supports the mission of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to improve behavioral health care outcomes for all by providing professional development and training opportunities for the behavioral health workforce.
“At a time when our nation faces significant challenges in access to higher education and workforce shortages in behavioral/mental health, Dr. Mayes brings the exceptional leadership, deep commitment to mentorship, and clear vision needed to guide MFP into its next chapter,” said CSWE President and CEO Dr. Halaevalu Vakalahi. “Her experience in higher education and practice uniquely positions her to strengthen the development of highly skilled, diverse social work scholars, educators, and leaders as well as advance mental health equity nationwide. We are thrilled to welcome her to CSWE.”
Before joining CSWE, Dr. Mayes served at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she contributed to student success efforts, curriculum development, and mentoring initiatives for BSW & MSW students. Her transition into national program leadership reflects her commitment to improving graduate training, expanding support systems for students, and addressing critical workforce needs in behavioral health through education and research.
Dr. Mayes earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Florida, her Master of Social Work from Clark Atlanta University, and her Doctor of Social Work from Simmons University. Her doctoral work examined culturally responsive mental health interventions for BIPOC communities, a scholarly focus that continues to inform her interests in behavioral health equity, workforce development, and culturally grounded practices.
About CSWE
Founded in 1952, CSWE is the national association representing social work education in the United States. Its members include more than 900 accredited baccalaureate, master’s, and practice doctorate degree social work programs and their affiliated social work educators, students, and staff, as well as practitioners and agencies dedicated to advancing quality social work education. Through its many initiatives, activities, and centers, CSWE supports quality social work education and provides opportunities for leadership and professional development so that social workers are empowered to play a central role in achieving the profession’s goals of social and economic justice. CSWE’s Board of Accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the accrediting agency for social work education in the United States and its territories.