Ed Kuhlmann was appointed to the faculty of Eastern Baptist College in 1970 as Assistant Professor of Social Work and Director of the Social Work Major in the Department of Anthropology, Sociology, and Social Work. He came from post-MSW practice in the intersecting fields of public housing, services to aging adults, social settlements, school social work, child welfare, and community organizing. He retired from Eastern University in 2010 as Professor of Social Work.
Ed began his career directing two community centers for the Philadelphia Housing Authority in south Philadelphia, one serving families in the 727-unit Wilson Park Homes, and the other serving older adults at Southwark Plaza. He then served socially and emotionally maladjusted underachieving children and their parents and teachers in public elementary schools under a contract between the School District of Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia Federation of Settlements, working out of Germantown Settlement, in northeast Philadelphia, and Wharton Centre, in north Philadelphia. He then served as coordinator of group services for Philadelphia Services to Parents and Children, in south Philadelphia.
At Eastern, Ed primarily taught courses in social work practice and social welfare policy and services, and occasionally, social work research. For thirty-six of his forty-year tenure, he served as director of the baccalaureate social work program and then as chair of the Social Work Department. He oversaw the approval, initial accreditation, and five reaffirmations of accreditation of Eastern’s B.S.W. program by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). He also conducted seventeen accreditation site-visits for CSWE at other colleges and universities. While at Eastern, Ed served (part-time) as the first Executive Director of what is now the North American Association of Christians in Social Work (1980-97).
Ed is married to Janice Turner Kuhlmann, a retired public school teacher and guidance counselor. They have four adult children, five adult grandchildren, and four younger grandchildren.
Education and Certification
B.A., Biblical Studies, Wheaton College (IL), 1961.
M.S.W., Social Group Work, University of Pennsylvania, 1964.
D.S.W., Social Work Education, University of Pennsylvania, 1982.
Dissertation: “A Christian Interpretation of Humanity for Social Work.”
ACSW (Academy of Certified Social Workers), National Association of Social Workers, 1966-present.
Book Chapters and Proceedings
1975 “A Family’s Viewpoint” (with Janice T. Kuhlmann, condensed version of Nurse-midwifery: A New Concept for Middle-class Americans). In E. J. Dickason & M. O. Schult, Maternal and Infant Care: A Text for Nurses, chapter 5,” Prenatal Care,” by M. C. Dobson & D. M. Lang (pp. 130-32). New York: McGraw-Hill Book Co.
1973 “Nurse-midwifery: A New Concept for Middle-class Americans (with Janice T. Kuhlmann); revised version of “Nurse Midwifery in the United States: A Consumer Viewpoint.” In A. M. Forman, S. H. Fischman, & L. Woodville, eds., New Horizons in Midwifery: Proceedings of the Triennial Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives (pp. 107-10). London: International Confederation of Midwives; and New York: American College of Nurse-Midwives.
Articles
2009 "Competency-based Education: A Thirty-year Retrospective on the Behavioral Objectives Movement. Social Work and Christianity” (by invitation), 36(1), 70-76.
2009 “Behavioral Objectives in Education for Social Work: A Philosophic Analysis.” Social Work and Christianity (reprinted from 1978), 36(1), 77-100.
2008 “A Quarter-century of Service: David A. Sherwood, Editor, Social Work and Christianity, 1983-2007: A Personal Memoir and Tribute.” Social Work and Christianity (by invitation), 35(1), 2-11.
1999 “The Idea of Social Work: Back to the Future” (revised version of lecture by same title). Social Work and Christianity (by invitation), 26(1), 9-24.
1998 “A Little Lower than God”: A Christian Interpretation of Human Identity for Social Work.” Social Work and Christianity (refereed), 25(1), 49-77.
1988 “NACSW Looks at Itself: Some Survey Results” (with Larry P. Ortiz). Social Work and Christianity (refereed), 15(1), 23-32.
1984 “Implications of CSWE Nondiscrimination Standards for Baccalaureate Social Work Programs in Christian Colleges.” Social Work and Christianity (refereed), 11, 3-15.
1978 “Behavioral Objectives in Education for Social Work: A Philosophic Analysis.” The paraclete (by invitation), 5(1), 12-36.
1976 “A Taxonomy of Christian Social Mission.” The paraclete (refereed), 3(2), 53-68.
1974 “A Christian View of Man for Social Action” (revised version of address by same title). The paraclete (by invitation), 1, 21-38.
Book Reviews
2003 Review of The Gallup Guide: Reality Check for 21st Century Churches, G. Gallup and D. M. Lindsay (2002), Social Work and Christianity, 30 (3), 305-307.
2003 Review of What’s Love Got to Do with It? A Critical Look at American Charity, by D. Wagner (2000), Social Work and Christianity, 28 (2), 165-169.
2001 Review of Organic Faith: A Call to Authentic Christianity, by R. Mitchell (1998), Social Work and Christianity, 28 (1), 77-78.
1985 Review of Transactional Analysis for Social Workers and Counsellors: An Introduction, by E. Pitman. Journal of Social Work Education, 21 (3), 132-133.
Columns
2000-10 Occasional column on social work education in Catalyst, bimonthly newsletter, North American Association of Christians in Social Work (approximately 15 columns).
1981-97 “The Executive’s Direction,” regular column in Catalyst, bimonthly newsletter, North American (National, until 1983) Association of Christians in Social Work (approximately 80 columns).
Lectureships
1999 Eastern Mennonite University, Social Work Month Conference, Harrisonburg, Virginia, April 10.
Keynote address: “On Being a Christian Social Worker: What Difference Does It Make?”
Workshop: “The History, Mission, and Programs of the North American Association of Christians in Social Work.”
1998 “The Idea of Social Work: Back to the Future.” 2nd Annual Alan Keith-Lucas Memorial Lecture, 48th Annual Convention and Training Conference, North American Association of Christians in Social Work, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 3.
1989 “Social Science and Social Intervention: Assumptions, Knowledge, Praxis.” Social Science Lectureship, Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Indiana, November 20-21.
Titles: “A Christian Interpretation of Humanity for Social Intervention”
Part I: “Human Identity”
Part II: “The Human Predicament and Human Potential”
“Empathy: A Way of Knowing”
“‘Cookbooks’ and ‘Blueprints’: The Desire for Certainty in the Applied Social Sciences”
Plenary Addresses
2010 “The Final Exam: Big Ideas for Christian Social Workers,” Social Work Department Homecoming, Philadelphia Biblical University (now Cairn University), October 10.
2010 “The Final Exam: Big Ideas for Christian Social Workers,” 23rd Annual Social Work Department Colloquium, Eastern University, St. Davids, Pennsylvania, March 24.
1990 “Points of Commonality and Tension between Social Work and Christianity.” Metropolitan New York City-Long Island Fellowship Group, North American Association of Christians in Social Work, Hunter College, New York City, New York, September 10.
1987 “Areas of Dissonance Between Social Work Philosophy and Christian Anthropology.” Kansas City Fellowship Group, North American Association of Christians in Social Work. Kansas City, Missouri, September 19.
1986 “Impacting Christians in Social Work: On Sabbath and Salt. Spring Workshop, Texas Chapter, North American Association of Christians in Social Work. Arlington, Texas, April 26.
1985 “Areas of Dissonance Between Social Work Philosophy and Christian Anthropology.” Conference on “The Impact of Religious Fundamentalism on Social Work Education and Practice,” sponsored by Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, September 21.
1984 “A Little Lower Than God: A Christian Interpretation of Human Identity for Social Work.” Keynote address, New England Conference, sponsored by the North American Association of Christians in Social Work and The Salvation Army, Sharon, Massachusetts, November 16.
1983 “Sociology and Social Work in the Christian Liberal Arts College: Competitors or Partners?” Annual Conference, Sociologists Teaching in Christian Colleges. St. Davids, Pennsylvania, June 17.
1979 “On Integrating Christianity and Social Work.” Christian Student Fellowship, School of Social Administration, Temple University. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 8.
1974 “A Christian View of Man for Social Action.” Keynote address, 9th Annual Conference, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, National Association of Christians in Social Work. St. Davids, Pennsylvania, March 2.
1972 “Nurse-Midwifery in the United States: A Consumer Viewpoint” (with Janice T. Kuhlmann), plenary address, 16th Triennial Congress, International Confederation of Midwives. Washington, D.C., October 31.
Responses to Plenary Addresses
1981 Response to Helen A. Mendez, “Social Work and the Family: Enduring Values, Contemporary Issues,” keynote address, Thirty-first Annual Convention and Training Conference, National Association of Christians in Social Work, Oakland, California, October 1.
1975 Response to John D. Bower, “Social Action: A Christian Mandate,” plenary address, Twenty-fifth Annual Convention and Training Conference, National Association of Christians in Social Work. Bardstown, Kentucky, April 11.
Public Media
2012 Searching for Uncle Rudolph,” Grants Pass [OR] Daily Courier (by invitation from the Josephine County Historical Society).
1983 Response to Helen A. Mendez, “Social Work and the Family: Enduring Values, Contemporary Issues.” Audio-taped and broadcast on “Total Health” (hosted by Ronale Whittington), KAIM-AM, February 5, and KPOI-FM, February 28, Honolulu, Hawaii.
1982 Interview, “The Effects of Unemployment on the Family,” on “The ‘Whys’ of Social Change” (hosted by Anthony Campolo), WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 31, and periodically rebroadcast.
Guest Lectures
2003, 2004 Scholarship in the professional disciplines,” New Faculty Faith and Learning Seminar. Eastern University, St. Davids, Pennsylvania.
2002 SWK 462: Social Work Practice II (Leslie Gregory, Instructor), Eastern University, February 15 and 22, and March 1.
1966 “Group Services,” Philadelphia College of Bible. Philadelphia, PA. March.
Workshops, Seminars, Panels, and Forums
1985-2014 Founder and co-moderator (with David A. Sherwood), Annual Forum for Christian Social Work Educators, Annual Convention and Training Conference, North American Association of Christians in Social Work.
Occasional special discussion topics:
“Curriculum Content on Social Welfare Policy and Services.” St. Petersburg, Florida, September 29, 1990.
“Social Work Practice Theory from the Perspective of a Christian World View.” Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 14, 1989.
“Curriculum content on Human Diversity.” San Antonio, Texas, September 30, 1988.
“Social Work Education in Christian Colleges.” Nashville, Tennessee, October 10, 1987.
“Making Social Work Education in Christian Institutions Distinctively Christian.” Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 17, 1986.
“Curriculum Development and Accreditation.” Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 11, 1985.
2014 Workshop presenter, “Roots: NACSW’s Decade of Identity, 1950-1960,” 64tth Annual Convention and Training Conference, North American Association and Training Conference, Annapolis, Maryland, November 7.
2010 Workshop presenter, “Accreditation Travelog: Our Trip Trough EPAS 2008 with Flashlight, Gun, and Camera,” 60th Annual Convention and Training Conference, North American Association and Training Conference, Raleigh-Durham, NC, November 12.
1990-2010 Founder and Facilitator, NACSW Dinner at the Annual Conference of Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors.
1985-2010 Founder and Facilitator, NACSW Dinner at the Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education.
1999 Co-moderator (with William Descoteaux), Discussion Group for Christian Social Work Educators, sponsored by the North American Association of Christians in Social work, at the Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social work Education, March 11.
1998 “Parents’ Perspective” (with Janice T. Kuhlmann), Human Needs and Global Resources (HNGR) Program Certificate Ceremony, Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, May 9.
1985 Resource person, “Social Work Programs in Christian Colleges.” Annual Conference, Sociologists Teaching in Christian Colleges. St. Davids, Pennsylvania, June 17.
1985 Resource person, “Human Diversity: Special Populations and Religion.” Consulting Fair, Annual Program Meeting, Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors. Council on Social Work Education. Washington, DC, February 17.
1983 Workshop presenter, “Implications of CSWE Nondiscrimination Standards for Baccalaureate Social Work Programs in Christian Colleges.” 33rd Annual Convention and Training Conference, National Association of Christians in Social Work. Arlington, Texas, November 5.
1983 Panelist, “Social Work Practice and Religion.” Annual Program, Council on Social Work Education. Fort Worth, Texas, March 2015.
1981 Moderator, workshop on “Christian Ethics and the Helping Person in Social Ministries.” David W. Gill, Annual Convention and Training Conference, National Association of Christians in Social Work. Oakland, California, October 3.
1977 Panelist, “A Dialogue on Linkage between Practice and Education.” Commission on Social Work Education, Philadelphia Division, Pennsylvania Chapter, National Association of Social Workers. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 26.
1974 Facilitator, Workshop on Social Work Education. 24th Annual Conference, National Association of Christians in Social Work. Elgin, Illinois, March 29.
1973 Panelist, “Undergraduate Education for Social Work Practice.” Brandywine Chapter, National Association of Social Workers. Media, Pennsylvania, March 31.
1972 Instructor, “The Christian and Social Problems.” Community Religious Education School, Gloucester City Ministerium. Gloucester City, NJ. October 9, 16, 23, and 30.
1971 Co-instructor (with Anthony Campolo), “Christian Family Seminar.” Third Annual Lenten Seminar for Spiritual Enrichment, Lehman United Methodist Church and Hatboro Baptist Church. Hatboro, PA, February 28 and March 7, 14, and 21.
1971 Presenter, “Careers in Social Work.” Careers Conference, Radnor Senior High School. Radnor, PA, January 18 and February 1 and 15.
Unpublished Papers
1976 “Philosophy and Social Work: Toward a Professional Agenda”
1974 “The Value Component in Education for Social Work: Some Questions”
1974 “Teaching and Learning: A Philosophical Analysis”
1974 “Skinner’s Man: Implications for Social Work”
1973 “Walter Rauschenbusch’s Doctrine of Sin: Implications for Contemporary Social Work”
1973 “The Emergence of the Sectarian Perspective in American Social Welfare, 1900-1935, and Its Implications for Contemporary Sectarianism”
Professional Memberships and Voluntary Services
National Association of Social Workers, 1963-present.
Chair, Group Services Council, Philadelphia Chapter, 1969-71.
North American Association of Christians in Social Work, 1966-present.
Member, Editorial Board, Social Work and Christianity, 1999-present.
Chair, 26th Annual Convention and Training Conference, Philadelphia, PA, 1976.
Chair, 23rd Annual Conference, King of Prussia, PA, 1973.
Publisher, The paraclete/Social Work and Christianity (journal), 1974-80.
Editor and Publisher, Catalyst (newsletter), 1973-80.
Member, Board of Directors, 1972-78.
Chair, Membership Committee, 1972-78.
President, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, 1969-73.