PhD, MSW, LCSW
BSW Program Director and Associate Professor
Research at a glance
Research Topics
Research Summary
Dr. Givens' research focuses on addressing the needs of justice-involved adults and those working with them.
Education
- PhD, University of North Carolina, 2018
- MSW, University of Arkansas, 2010
- BA, Arkansas Tech University, 2008
Courses taught
Dr. Givens teaches courses in both the BSW and MSW programs. Courses taught include SW 4740, SW 8953, and SW 9550.
Research interests
Criminal Justice; Early Adult Justice Involvement; Traumatic Experiences of Justice Involved Individuals; Mental Health and Criminal Justice.
Research and scholarly activity
Addressing the Needs of Justice-Involved Early Adults
Dr. Givens’ primary research revolves around salient issues facing justice-involved individuals. Dr. Givens focuses her work around traumatic histories, criminogenic risks and needs, and serious mental illnesses among early adults (18-29 year olds) involved in the criminal justice system. This age group constitutes a higher proportion of the justice-involved population than any other 10-year age group and presents unique challenges in regards to custody and supervision. Dr. Givens studies programming and interventions that provide opportunities to this population, as well as equip officers to be better prepared to assess the risks and needs of this age group. Recently, Dr. Givens has been working with probation and parole officers to build foundational knowledge around mental illnesses and their role for the individuals on community supervision.
In the news
Dec. 13, 2023
Social work student to speak at winter commencement
Sep. 18, 2023
School of Social Work announces new leadership team
May. 16, 2023
2023 Health Professions Faculty and Staff Awards
May. 12, 2023
Mizzou Made 2023: Molly Madeline Cash Tennant, MSW
Sep. 1, 2022
Taking down stigma, one step at a time
Apr. 29, 2022
Students participate in Undergraduate Research forum
Feb. 1, 2022
Treatment for trauma is not one-size-fits-all
Jun. 11, 2021