Kim Schmidt

Kim Schmidt, a dedicated social worker with over twenty years of experience in child protection, is currently a senior lecturer and deputy HOD in the Social Work Department at the University of Fort Hare (UFH). In addition to her social work qualifications, she has a postgraduate teaching diploma, is a senior teaching fellow with the AHE and has received the VCs excellence in teaching award. Kim takes an active role in supporting the University’s vision of excellence and renewal through her involvement in research, teaching and learning and community engagement. Especially close to her heart is the teaching of undergraduate students where she strives to improve her teaching so that students can be inspired and empowered to become the best social workers that they can be. She has successfully led and managed the departmental university capacity development grant in support of student development and work integrated learning over the last five years. This has strengthened student learning, creating opportunities for fieldwork, and enhancing student employability. This initiative has also seen the strengthening of university partnerships with both stakeholders and role-players in the field of social work.

At home she enjoys being active and spending time with her husband and five children who have taught her that family sticks together, that love is not bound by genetics, colour or finances and that parenting is not about perfection. Their love and resilience inspires her daily and encourages her to keep doing what she can to help others.

ORCID 0000-0002-4790-3587