David Messer

Class of 1976

Posted on October 26, 2020

David Messer (‘76) is a Professor of Social Work at Kentucky Christian University. He attended seminary after graduating from HCS, then worked in full-time ministry to children and families in Eastern Kentucky for 20 years. But seminary hadn’t prepared him for the social challenges, trauma, and crises he witnessed every day.

Much of Eastern Kentucky is plagued with generational poverty, substance abuse, and unemployment. David felt the weight of walking alongside these at-risk populations, so he eventually decided to pursue social work, which he calls “a ministry without a pulpit.”

“Walking daily in the steps of the marginalized, alienated, impoverished, orphaned, and populations at-risk whose only misfortune was to be born in Appalachia, challenges you emotionally and sometimes spiritually.”

David earned a terminal degree in Social Work from UK, a Rank II in education from the KY Department of Education, and licenses and certifications in social work and school social work. He has served as Chairman of the Governor’s Task Force on Child Sexual Abuse and on the Citizen’s Foster Care Review Board of Kentucky. He has also written legislation for children’s health insurance.

Fifteen years ago, David transitioned to teaching social work at KCU. He loves when his students recognize that Christ is at the heart of social work practice.

David discovered there were no social work texts to help his students understand Appalachian culture in terms of social change, so he wrote the book, “Ablaze in Appalachia: A Social Approach to a Forgotten Culture” (now available on Amazon). The book celebrates Appalachian culture and explores the social changes and challenges in rural America.

David has no plans to retire yet, but he knows he will continue serving and volunteering in local and international social work as long as he can. David enjoys spending time with his wife of 38 years, Janie, two daughters, and three grandkids.