Frances Bernard Kominkiewicz, whom students call “Dr. K,” is associate professor and chair of the Department of Social Work. Raised in South Bend, she was a licensed social worker and educator in the community for many years. She joined the Saint Mary’s faculty and began directing the social work program in 1998. Kominkiewicz holds Ph.D. and M.S.A. degrees from the University of Notre Dame and a bachelor of social work degree from Indiana University. In an interview appearing in Courier, Saint Mary’s alumnae magazine, Dr. K said the following about the nationally accredited program and her approach.