Faculty and Staff News

The Passing of Exceptional Emeritus LeNora Mundt

LeNora Mundt, Associate Professor Emeritus of the University of Washington School of Social Work, passed away Tuesday, March 11 at her home on Mercer Island.

Professor Mundt was a well-respected member of the School, extremely popular practice-methods instructor, and "bridgemaker" between research and practice. Until her retirement in 1981, she taught required and elective practice methods courses that integrated psychological theories, social work values, and client-centered perspectives. She championed task-centered casework in a field that, at the time, was moving from a traditional practice framework to an outcome-oriented one. She became one of several practice instructors to become involved in an experimental curriculum innovation, the Educational Unit (EU). The EU integrated direct practice methods courses with research courses and practicum.

In 1972 she co-founded the Women's Institute of the Northwest in the University District with Naomi Gottlieb, Sharon Berlin, and Ruth McCormick. The Women’s Institute was a groundbreaking, nonprofit, community-based agency for women and offered mental health counseling, educational and therapy groups, outreach and support services for abused women, and a practicum site for advanced MSW students. Professor Mundt was also involved in the Women and Mental Health Project, a 5-year nationally funded educational initiative that supported specialized training for MSW students. Throughout her time at the School, Professor Mundt also maintained a private practice, where she provided counseling and referral services for individuals, couples, and families.

She is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Greg Bass and Nancy and Warren Appleton, and her three beloved grandsons, Travis Bass and Carter and Ford Appleton.

In memory of LeNora Mundt, donations may be sent to:
Evergreen Hospice Services
12910 Totem Lake Blvd NE
Kirkland, WA 98034

Read about Professor Mundt in a Seattle Times article published on March 20, 2008.