Michael C. Richards
Michael joined the PhD program in Fall 2023, drawn to its Appalachian focus within WVU's scholarly culture. His research centers on community development and organization, which reflects his current work and scholarship. Michael values the close collaboration with experienced researcher-scholars in the small cohort setting of the PhD program. His career goals include teaching, research, and community organizing.
Michael has several current areas of research interest:
- Aging and Gerontology - Working with WVU’s Center for Resilient Communities, Michael is currently engaged in community organizing, research, and development with senior citizens in Colfax, WV to support residents with aging-in-place initiatives and community coalition building around senior needs.
- Mental and Behavioral Health - Michael is the Executive and Clinical Director of Cornerstone Pastoral Counseling and Wellness Center in Fairmont, WV which sees clients without cost in support of mental and emotional wellness. In addition, he has taught courses in clinical diagnosis and assessment.
- Community Engagement - Michael is the Executive Director of Tygart Valley Mission, Inc. which supports community organizing and development along the Tygart River Valley in WV. In addition, he teaches courses in macro-Social Work. He is developing a measuring matrix (Coalitional Affinity Matrix, 2024) to assess group affinity and guide community-based coalition building.
- Social Justice, Equity, and Policy - Michael is focusing his doctoral research on the accrual of spiritual capital among LGBTQ+ individuals living in Appalachia. He is also currently involved in research projects exploring Recovery Capital relative to substance use addiction and Gender Euphoria among trans persons. In addition, he has taught courses on policy.
Additionally, a central theme in Michael's work is examining social work and practice through the theoretical lens of Karen Barad's Agential Realism.