Social Work
Social work is a growth industry...

Meet the Faculty

Everett Lilly, Ph.D.
Director of Social Work Program

Everett Lilly, Ph.D. is the Director of the Social Work Program and professor at Mountain State University.  Dr. Lilly is a native of southern West Virginia and spent a number of years in Boston and California, prior to returning to his native state.  He earned his masters degree in social work at Boston College and his Ph.D. in social policy at Brandeis University.  He has many years of broad-based experience in social work, especially in family service agencies.  His experience includes direct practice, supervision, grant writing, program development, teaching & training, and senior level management including serving as the CEO of a family service agency.  Dr. Lilly has taught courses at Boston University, Boston College, Wheelock College, Lesley College, and Cypress College.   He is currently an adjunct professor with the West Virginia University Division of Social Work teaching masters level courses.  Dr. Lilly teaches policy, research, and other macro-level courses in the MSU Social Work Program.  He is a professional musician who is interested in Appalachian culture as expressed through music, and works with local and national organizations to promote and preserve bluegrass and old time mountain music. 

Arnold Simonse, DSW, JCD
Professor, Social Work Faculty

Arnold Simonse, DSW, JCD is a professor in the MSU Social Work Program and is a native of New Jersey.  He came to MSU from Washington, D.C., where he directed a social agency for many years. Dr. Simonse earned his MSW and DSW in social work from The Catholic University of America.  He also earned a Doctor of Church Law and Administration from St. Thomas University in Rome, Italy.  Dr. Simonse has many years of experience in social work including supervision, program development, teaching, training, community development, program evaluation, and administration. He served as an adjunct professor at Catholic University where he specialized in social work ethics and the development of curricula for integrating religious issues into social work practice.  Dr. Simonse teaches a variety of macro-level courses including research, policy & legislation, ethics, grant writing, and working with those who have a disability.  Dr. Simonse is actively involved in community development, which includes working on the national level to bring resources to our region and directing a food bank. 

Karen Cummings-Lilly, MSW, LICSW
Associate Professor, Field Practicum Coordinator

Karen Cummings-Lilly, MSW, LICSW is an associate professor and serves as Field Practicum Coordinator in the MSU Social Work Program.  She is a native of California and earned her MSW at San Diego State University.  Ms. Cummings-Lilly is licensed at the highest clinical level in both California and West Virginia. She has over 20 years’ post-master’s experience in the field of social work; including direct practice, supervision of students at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, management, community liaison, program development, grant writing, and training.  Ms. Cummings-Lilly has specialized knowledge and extensive experience in the areas of psychiatric and forensic social work.  She is also active in the social work community, and is the 2005-2007 Southern Regional Representative in West Virginia for the National Association of Social Workers. 

“Social Work is not a job but a vocation. It is a calling.
Much like an artist is compelled to paint,
we are compelled to help others who need a voice.
We are not able to turn away from issues of
social and economic justice
 in the same way a mother cannot ignore the cries of her child.
 It is simply a necessary part of our life.”

--Karen Cummings-Lilly, MSW, LICSW
Associate Professor, Field Practicum Coordinator,
Social Work Program
Mountain State University

Katherine Hart, MSW, LCSW
Assistant Professor of Social Work; Field Liaison

Katherine Hart, MSW, LCSW is an assistant professor in the MSU Social Work program.  She is a native West Virginian and earned her MSW at West Virginia University.  She is a licensed social worker in West Virginia and has over 20 years experience in the field.  Her experience includes direct practice, management, grant writing, supervision, program development, and staff training.  She is especially interested in the areas of mental health and adolescence.  Ms. Hart serves as the Field Liaison in the MSU Social Work Program.  She teaches a variety of courses in the MSU Social Work Program, and is active in the social work community.  Ms. Hart is involved, along with other human service professionals in the area, in developing programs to meet the mental health needs of this region.  

Catharine Siers, A.A.S.
Administrative Secretary, Social Work Program
Mountain State University

“Welcome to the Social Work program at Mountain State University!  The social work faculty and I are always ready to answer your questions or provide information on our program.  Our faculty is made up of very caring, committed individuals; always concerned with your success as students and as future social workers.  I am happy to be a part of this department.  Please feel free to call for information or assistance.”

--Catharine Siers, A.A.S.
Administrative Secretary, Social Work Program