Bob Prue, MSW, PhD

Assistant Professor, University of Missouri - Kansas City, MO

“Understand that place in you that sees injustice and is willing to work to change it.”

I initially started in the mental health field, and one of the most rewarding times was when a chronically suicidal client told me that he had gone a whole year without harming himself–for the first time in decades.

Now, as an instructor, I enjoy finding ways to help people find their power, whether it’s the power within them or that which resides in their families, cultures, religions or communities. My training has helped be more attentive to the barriers in academic institutions that limit people from growth.

Social work takes both heart and head. You have to be able to connect with those you’re helping, and at the same time stay cognizant of practice theories.

A great day is knowing that I am connected to something larger than myself that is a force for good. If you believe you can make a difference in this world, then become a social worker.