Executive Search: Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

The search committee consists of a broad and representative group responsible for developing the leadership profile, aiding in the evaluation of the candidates, interviewing potential candidates, and making a recommendation on final candidates.

• George Leibowitz (Committee Chair): Dean and Distinguished Professor
• Lia Nower (Committee Member): Associate Dean of Research, Distinguished Professor, Director Center for Gambling Studies, and co-Director of the ACT Certificate Program
• Chien-Chung Huang (Committee Member): Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Professor
• Sharon Fortin (Committee Member): Associate Dean for Administration and Finance
• Sarah McMahon (Committee Member): Professor and Director of the Center for Research on Ending Violence
• Elsa Candelario (Committee Member): Professor of Professional Practice, MSW Program Director, and LISTA Certificate Program Director
• DuWayne Battle (Committee Member): Professor of Teaching, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education, and Director of the BA in Social Work Program in New Brunswick
• Arlene Hunter (Committee Member): Assistant Dean of Student Affairs
• Natalie Bembry (Committee Member): Assistant Professor of Teaching and Director of the BASW Program - Camden
• Trinay Thomas (Committee Member): Assistant Professor of Teaching, Associate Director of Practicum Learning, and Campus Coordinator - Newark
• Katie Bisaha (Committee Member): Student (MSW/MPH dual degree)
• Ryan Kettlar (Committee Member): Associate Dean of Academic and Faculty Affairs, Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology

Members of the School of Social Work were invited to attend listening sessions to gather input that built the professional profile for the search. Virtual listening sessions were scheduled as follows:

• December 1: 4:30-6:00pm – Faculty and Lecturers
• December 5: 9:00-10:30am – SSW Academic Affairs Teams (BASW and MSW Academic and Certificate Programs, Lecturer Development, Admissions, Student Services, Practicum Learning, Instructional Design, Scheduling, and Assessment)
• December 5: 10:30am-12:00pm – Faculty and Lecturers
• December 12: 9:00-10:30am – BA in Social Work and MSW Students and Alumni
• December 12: 10:30-12:00 – Open to All (school wide)

The search committee invited members of the School of Social Work community to share their feedback through an anonymous survey.

Rutgers School of Social Work (“RSSW,” “the SSW,” or “the School”) seeks an accomplished and visionary academic leader to serve as its next Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Building upon Rutgers’s strong commitment to scholarship, research, community engagement, and public service, the Associate Dean will play a pivotal role in facilitating communication and collaboration across a complex multi-campus school, shaping academic programs that equip future social work leaders for community impact, and creating an environment where all stakeholders can thrive.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a Big Ten research university and the nation’s eighth-oldest institution of higher learning, serving close to 70,000 students. Ranked number 12 by U.S. News and World Report, among the top 10 public universities, Rutgers School of Social Work serves a passionate and engaged cohort of more than2,000 students across its undergraduate and graduate programs. The School's mission is to develop and disseminate knowledge through social work research, education, and training that promotes social and economic justice and strengthens individual, family, and community well-being in the diverse and increasingly global environment of New Jersey and beyond.

Reporting to the Dean, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs is tasked with streamlining the SSW’s complex internal processes and creating structures that advance excellence in teaching and learning while supporting future growth. With a focus on fostering a culture of continuous enhancement and improvement, the Associate Dean will actively work towards refining and optimizing work processes and communication channels within the School of Social Work and its academic programs, increasing efficiency and enhancing inclusivity in workspaces and educational settings. A visible, accessible leader and transparent communicator, the Associate Dean will foster and develop collaborative teams and engage faculty and staff in the cultivation of academic programs that promote positive student outcomes.

The incoming Associate Dean joins the School of Social Work at a pivotal moment as it strives for greater national and global impact. The successful candidate must be an experienced administrative leader who understands and values contemporary social work practices and is comfortable working across a large, complex, and interdisciplinary environment. Skilled at communicating and collaborating with a variety of stakeholders and senior leaders, the Associate Dean will support the implementation of innovative academic programs and practicum opportunities that are aligned with workforce and community needs, leveraging a visionary and data-driven approach. The incoming Associate Dean will support effective strategic planning efforts, navigate organizational change with acuity while promoting clarity for stakeholders across the School, and cultivate relationships that support measurable gains in enrollment and retention while facilitating meaningful academic outcomes and professional growth for students.

Read the full description.

Members of the School of Social Work community will be invited to meet finalists for the role. The community forums will provide an opportunity for members to learn more about the candidates and engage in a moderated Q&A session. Details will be announced ahead of any on-campus visits.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent electronically on the Isaacson, Miller website.

Donna Cramer is leading this search with Afi Tettey-Fio and Ryan Smillie.

Nominations, as well as confidential contact with the search firm, can be submitted through the search firm's website.

Questions related to the search may be directed to adaa2025search@ssw.rutgers.edu.