Leadership and Advisory Board

Mioara Diaconu

Director

Education

Ph.D., The University of Texas at Arlington

M.S.A., Andrews University

M.S.W., Andrews University

Dr. Mioara Diaconu is an Associate Professor of Social Work at Western Michigan University, USA. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Work (2008), an MSA in Community & International Development (2004), and a Master in Social Work (2002). She is a researcher, a community and international development practitioner, a consultant, and a global educator.

Some of Dr. Diaconu's practice, research, teaching, and areas of interest and expertise include (but not limited to) forced & volunteer migration, emergency management & crisis intervention, global community development and sustainability, project cycle management (e.g., needs assessment & appreciative inquiry, program development & implementation, monitoring & evaluation). 

Don Cooney

Associate Director

Education

Ph.D. Bryn Mawr College

M.A., Fordham University

M.Div., Mary Immaculate College and Seminary

B.A., Mary Immaculate College and Seminary

Dr. Don Cooney joined the School of Social Work faculty in 1977. He teaches courses on the history of social welfare, community practice, social change, and race and culture. Dr. Cooney is active in many social justice organizations and serves as a City Commissioner for Kalamazoo. Dr. Cooney has a committed interest in community practice, social justice, and confronting institutional prejudice and inequality.