Steven Wells

Steven P. Wells, Ph.D. served as professor at the School from 1988 to 2022. He began as a clinical adjunct professor and developed the Child Welfare Student Unit in which he served as field instructor. He moved to full time in the classroom beginning in 1999 and since has also served as coordinator for the Undergraduate Program, the Graduate Program, and the Social Simulation Program. Dr. Wells taught courses in social work practice, interviewing skills, and critical thinking in practice. He received a “Champions of Children Award” in 2008 from The Foster Care Association of Oklahoma and was named College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Adviser of the Year in 2012. His 45-year career encompasses work as a child welfare worker, family mediator, trainer, group counselor, and case management consultant. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Oklahoma and earned a doctorate in early childhood education in 2006. He continues his association with the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers and was instrumental in bringing this content to the School, as well as to a variety of professional groups through extensive training events. Dr. Wells retired in 2022 and resides in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.