Close Up Radio Spotlights Professor of Social Work Dr. Alice Kay Locklear

Red Springs, NC - John F. Kennedy famously said, “I’m concerned about the recklessness of public policy that endangers people’s lives, especially in minority communities, where crime often is such a scourge.” Professor of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Dr. Alice Kay Locklear, cannot agree more.

Working through all levels of social work for over 20 years, Professor Locklear was challenged by individuals who did not really understand social work and the importance of ethics. “For example, when services were provided to clients with a dual diagnosis, let’s say substance use and a mental health diagnosis, that client could be assigned to two different professionals—one for substance use and another for mental health. This policy not only depletes resources, but it can also be confusing to clients,” explains Dr. Locklear. “The reason overlapping services and waste exists is because policy makers may not have a solid understanding of social work or ethical social work practices. Policy makers may tend to pay attention to financial considerations as they are mostly individuals with business focused degrees.”

As a member of the Lumbee tribe, Dr. Locklear is the first and only female Native American who holds a Ph.D. in her social work department. 

Dr. Locklear serves as the NASW-NC Chair for Pembroke-Lumberton Local Program Unit and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and serves on the NASW Board of Directors, Executive Board, and further serves on the National Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity.

For more information about Alice Kay Locklear, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-alice-kay-locklear-08700b36