Professional Background

Dean, and professor Jessica Hare is an MSW Practicum Director, Assistant Professor, and committee chair within the St. Bonaventure School of Arts and Sciences. Professor Hare teaches courses in Human and Community Services and Social Work.

Hare started her career as a Social Worker at the Gaston County Children and Family Services and then moved to a Senior Social Worker at Mecklenburg County Youth and Family Services. She then became a School Support Specialist at the United States Army Reserve and then a School Social Worker at Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Hare then moved to the American Promise, starting as an Empowerment Director, and then advancing to the Vice President of Outreach. Later in her career, Hare started teaching as an assistant professor at universities including, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Kennesaw State University, and currently, St. Bonaventure University.

Jessica Hare is recognized for her many accomplishments including numerous publications and presentations. Hare’s publications include, “NASW Member Voice: Money In Politics Increasingly Benefits Wealthy, Special Interests,” and “Social Workers and the American Promise.” Hare has done many different presentations at an array of different venues, including colleges and healthcare systems.

Hare’s teaching philosophy is to inspire students to develop increased awareness of their interest, strengths, and values, so that they will be well-equipped to confidently represent their expertise in inter-professional work settings and to engage with multifaced social complications. She believes that it is vital for practitioners in training to learn to assess the ways in which historical and political settings effect their regions of interest and practice settings. Hare demonstrates an individualized learning method with one-on-one meetings, so they can fully express their view points and feel a sense of understanding as it related to the dignity and worth of a person.

In her spare time, Hare participates in an array of sports including CrossFit, basketball, and volleyball. She is also a volunteer at a domestic violence shelter and a member of the Board of Directors for the Social Work Democracy Project. Hare is also part of many national associations including the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, National Association of Black Social Workers, National Association of Social Workers, and National Black MBA Association.

Academic Degrees

• University of Southern California, Doctor of Social Work, 2019
• University of South Carolina, Master of Social Work, 2010
• Winthrop University, Bachelor of Social Work, 2007