Dr. Carol Meza-Bakke is a driven individual who has achieved numerous accolades throughout her career. As a first-generation college graduate, Carol understands the value of education and has used it to make a significant impact in her field. Meza-Bakke currently serves as the field director and as an instructional professor of social work at Pittsburg State University (PSU). She is also the primary advisor for the Student Veterans Organization.

Carol was recently appointed by Governor Laura Kelly as one of 29 military council members at the state level. Meza-Bakke is the founder of the Brad and Dana Cameron Scholarship, which is awarded to students in social work and criminal justice programs.

In addition to her academic achievements, Carol is a veteran of the United States Army and a Purple Heart recipient. Her 12 years of military experience have instilled in her the discipline, dedication, and perseverance necessary to overcome any obstacle. Carol’s passion for serving others has extended beyond her military service, as she has also worked in the child welfare field and for the Veterans Benefits Administration.

Carol’s educational background is extensive, having earned an Associate in Criminal Justice degree from Fort Scott Community College, a Bachelor of Social Work degree with a minor in psychology from Pittsburg State University, a Master of Clinical Social Work degree from the University of Kansas, and a Ph.D. in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University. Her dissertation was titled: Experiences and Coping Mechanisms of Active-Duty Women, Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma Who Sought Mental Health Services within the Civilian Sector: A Thematic Analysis. Her research interests include military social work, trauma-informed care, the undocumented population, and preparing social work students for gun violence.

Despite her many accomplishments, Carol remains grounded and dedicated to her family. She enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband and two children, engaging in activities around their farm, and pursuing her hobbies of fishing, camping, hunting, and rescuing homeless animals.