The School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin announced that Katrina (Kate) Thompson, LMSW, CAS, (MSSW ‘21), will join its faculty as a lecturer in health and behavioral health policy, effective in August.
Thompson, who graduated with a concentration in administration and policy practice at UT Social Work, rejoins the school with a robust background in program management, as well as expertise in policy and intellectual and developmental disabilities. She will be teaching courses in both the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and certification programs at UT Social Work, specifically teaching in behavioral health policy, social policy, or other related areas.
“Professor Thompson returns to the Forty Acres as a scholar and teacher, bringing expertise at the intersection of macro social work, policy and health,” said Allan Cole, dean of UT Social Work. “I couldn’t be more excited to see what she will do for our students and the communities we serve.”
With over a decade of experience across corporate, nonprofit, and freelance sectors, Thompson combines expertise with heartfelt advocacy for neurodivergent communities. Her lived experience with disability, including within her family as a parent of three neurodivergent young adults, serves as an anchor to her social work knowledge, deepening her passion and expertise in advocacy.
“I believe social work education should empower students to see themselves as both learners and agents of change,” Thompson said. “I strive to create classrooms that are relational and reflective, where theory is connected to practice through hands-on experiences, case studies, and real-world applications. I am elated to be back at UT Social Work in a classroom setting, and I’m especially excited to help shape and mentor the next generation of leading social workers.”
In addition to her clinical and program experience, Thompson has served in elected roles and been recognized by the NASW-Texas chapter for several years. Her scholarly contributions include serving on the board of “Louder Than Words,” a peer-reviewed journal for social work students at Texas State University, and serving as a peer reviewer for grants and conference proposals relevant to disabilities and social work.