Chris Brown, Ph.D.
My joy and enthusiasm for teaching comes from interacting with students who expect to be challenged, and collaborating with colleagues and students who share the belief that we, as agents of social change, have a responsibility to disavow oppressive attitudes and advocate for social justice.
Why did you become a teacher?
As an academic psychologist, I get to share the rich tradition of counseling psychology with others, which includes advancing scholarly knowledge to address social concerns and to better the lives of individuals and their families.
Why do you love teaching at UMKC?
Teaching at UMKC is very rewarding and provides a wonderful opportunity to prepare, support and mentor students to achieve their educational and career goals. My joy and enthusiasm for teaching comes from interacting with students who expect to be challenged, and collaborating with colleagues and students who share the belief that we, as agents of social change, have a responsibility to disavow oppressive attitudes and advocate for social justice.
What’s your favorite part about coming to work each day?
I am among the fortunate few—10 percent of the workforce—who experience work as passionate play and as a vehicle for full self-expression with opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. I feel fortunate to be an academic psychologist at UMKC. My great colleagues and awesome students challenge me to do my best work every day.
What do School of Education students get at UMKC that they can’t get anywhere?
Our students interact with diverse faculty who engage in life-long learning and who are committed to preparing students to be multi-culturally sensitive and competent in their field of study. Our students can expect to actively contribute to the communities where they live and work.