Practice and Policy Lecture Series Fall Speakers Announced

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL--- Malika Reed Wilkins, M.P.A., will open the fall session of the Practice and Policy Lecture Series discussing the look and feel of good customer service. The series event starts at noon, Aug. 20 at the Oklahoma History Center, 2401 N. Laird Ave., Oklahoma City.

Wilkins is the director of strategic communications and program improvement for the Georgia Department of Human Services. She will specifically review data collection, technology, same-day service to families and timely response to Medicaid eligibility determinations.

Wilkins received her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia in speech communications and a master’s degree in public administration from North Carolina Central University. She is currently working toward her doctorate in public administration.

Other featured speakers scheduled this fall are Lorrie Lutz, M.P.P., president of L3P Associates, a consulting firm specializing in enhancing the quality of social services. Lutz will discuss what is new in child welfare and review the child welfare practice model Sept. 28. Scott Stanly, Ph.D., is a research professor and co-director of the Center for Marital and Family Studies at the University of Denver. Stanley will discuss emerging patterns in romantic relationships Oct.6. Marty Alan Michelson, Ph.D., professor at Southern Nazarene University, will discuss why the faith community should be involved in human services Nov. 19. The final speaker of the fall lecture series will be led by Kathy Edin, Ph.D., professor of public policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Edin will discuss family instability and complexity Dec. 8.

All lectures are sponsored by Oklahoma Department of Human Services Office of Planning, Research and Statistics and University of Oklahoma Center for Public Management. All lectures will take place at the Oklahoma History Center at noon. The yearlong series provides thought-provoking presentations by experts in their fields on Oklahoma’s emerging policy issues, trends and best practices. The lectures are free and open to the public.

For additional information, visit web site​ or contact Cecilia Tannehill at (405) 521-3552.

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