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)

Members of the School of Social Work are invited to attend listening sessions to gather input that will build the professional profile for the search. Virtual listening sessions are scheduled as follows and invitations should be sent by Monday, November 24, 2025:

• 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)

If you are expecting an invitation but have not yet received it by November 24th, please adaa2025search@ssw.rutgers.edu.

The search committee invites you to share your feedback through an anonymous survey, which will open soon.

The leadership profile, which is informed by listening sessions with several groups within the School of Social Work, outlines the School's academic and operational landscapes and provides an overview of the qualifications required for candidates. The profile will be shared upon its completion.

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.

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.