Red Springs, NC – Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Alice Kay Locklear, PhD, ACSW, MSW is acknowledged as a 2025 Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions Ethical Social Work and Education.
Dr. Alice Kay Locklear, a dedicated social work professional and educator, holds tenure and full professor status at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP), marking a significant milestone in her over two-decade-long career in social work and academia. She reached a historical marker as the first Native American female in the UNCP Department of Social Work to hold a PhD. and serve as Assistant Chair. With a commitment to ethical practices and client-centered decision-making, Dr. Locklear’s work continues to influence future social workers, inspiring them to prioritize integrity and community involvement in their practice.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina (Bachelor’s), East Carolina University (Master’s), and Capella University (Ph.D.), Dr. Locklear combines academic excellence with extensive practical experience. Her professional affiliations include the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), where she serves on both the Board of Directors, prior Executive Board service, National Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity (NCORED), as well as the position of Chair for the NASW-NC Pembroke-Lumberton Local Program Unit. These roles, coupled with many others, highlight her influence and dedication to advancing social work standards and supporting community-driven initiatives.
Dr. Locklear’s teaching philosophy centers on including clients in the decision-making process, fostering respect and ethical responsibility. This approach not only shapes her classroom instruction but also guides her broader contributions to the social work field. She attributes her dedication to the Great Creator, cherished family, including her father-Reverend Glassie Locklear, Sr., mother-Emma Bell Jones Locklear, her son Geisinger Seth Presley Locklear, and life partner Fredrick Allen Locklear, friends, as well as her mentors, Dr. Sherry Edwards, Dr. Geraldine Kay Waite, and the inspiration of her maternal aunt- Dr. Mary Elizabeth Jones-Brayboy.
In addition to her commitment to social work and education, Dr. Alice Kay Locklear is a Keeper of the Land, enjoys nature—visiting the ocean and country life, interior design, developing creative works, writing poetry, and reading in her free time. Looking forward, Dr. Locklear intends to globally expand her involvement in both social work and education, continuing to shape ethical standards, mentor future social workers, while contributing to individuals, families, communities and organizations.
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