Dean

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is accepting nominations and applications for an accomplished and forward-thinking leader to serve as the next Dean of the School of Social Work. This position provides a remarkable opportunity to lead a nationally recognized School committed to advancing social justice, strengthening communities, and improving the lives of individuals and families. The university seeks a visionary leader dedicated to further elevating the School’s performance and advancing the values of the social work profession.

The School of Social Work prepares students to make meaningful contributions in a rapidly evolving profession. With a diverse student body of more than 900 learners and over 50 faculty committed to social justice, policy-informed science, evidence-based practice, and community engagement, the School offers a comprehensive portfolio of programs. These include the Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, and Doctor of Philosophy, as well as two thriving online programs — BSW and MSW — which were recently ranked the nation’s No.1 and No.2 online social work programs by Forbes.

The School is deeply engaged with local, national, and global community and agency partners to advance social work practice, research, education, and workforce training. Its programs connect students with local, state, and international agencies through the Community Learning Lab, International Programs, Behavioral Health Workforce Education, Learning and Leadership, and other Integrated Behavioral Health initiatives; and it engages in workforce training statewide through the Provider Assistance and Training Hub. The School collaborates with state child welfare agencies on research and quality improvement through the Center for Excellence in Child Welfare, engages alumni and practitioners through its Engagement Office, and advances historical and social justice work through initiatives like Learning Our History. Additionally, Illinois Social Innovation and the Gilmore Business and Social Innovation Fund empower students and communities to co-create innovative solutions to pressing social challenges.

The position of Dean of the School of Social Work reports to the Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost. The ideal candidate will possess a track record of outstanding leadership, including support for research, teaching, outreach, and equal opportunity; the ability to attract and retain a diverse faculty, student body, and staff; the demonstrated aptitude to generate public and private resources for the School; and a commitment to both undergraduate and graduate education. Expertise in social work or a closely related discipline is required. Successful candidates will possess qualifications warranting an appointment at the rank of tenured full professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Kate Barry is leading this search with Miguel Santiago and Kaitlin Cruz.