After serving Rutgers School of Social Work for more than a decade, Cathryn C. Potter, Ph.D. is retiring. Since her appointment as Dean and Distinguished Professor in 2013, Dr. Potter has provided exemplary leadership that has strengthened the School’s academic reputation, expanded its research enterprise, and significantly enhanced its national standing.
Under her leadership, RUSSW advanced from 26th to 16th, and then, soon after her tenure as dean to 12th and among the top 3 in the Big Ten, in the U.S. News & World Report national rankings. During her time as dean, Dr. Potter focused on hiring high-impact scholars and seasoned practitioners whose work has broadened the School’s local, national, and global influence. Dean Potter also oversaw a significant expansion of the School’s research portfolio to more than $60 million, supporting work in prevention science, aging, violence prevention, substance and behavioral addictions, behavioral health, poverty, social policy, and social determinants of health.
One of the hallmarks of her tenure was the development and implementation of the School’s ambitious five-year strategic plan, Toward a More Just Future. Developed through extensive consultation with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners, the plan established six priority areas grounded in justice, equity, and innovation. Dr. Potter also reshaped the School’s physical presence. Through the One Square Block initiative, she led the successful consolidation of previously dispersed facilities into a cohesive footprint in downtown New Brunswick. This strategic effort enhanced accessibility, strengthened community engagement, and laid the groundwork for future academic expansion and a long-term capital plan for the school. In addition, she led the school through the COVID pandemic, providing steady and empathic leadership.
Prior to joining RUSSW, Dr. Potter served as Executive Director of the Butler Institute for Families and professor in the Graduate School of Social Work, and Associate Provost for Research at the University of Denver. During her two decades there, Dr. Potter led the Butler Institute’s growth from a small training project into a large, diverse technical assistance and research group with a strong national reputation in child welfare.
Rutgers School of Social Work extends its profound appreciation to Dr. Potter for her visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to social justice, and tireless service to the University and the profession of social work.
