The College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky (UK) seeks an experienced social science scholar and research administrator to serve as their next Associate Dean for Research. The Associate Dean will serve as the primary leader for the development and conduct of research within the College of Social Work (CoSW). They will conceptualize and lead the implementation of the college’s strategic research vision, which includes fostering a robust culture of research predicated on consistent faculty and student development, intentional investment in research infrastructure, mutual support, and rigorous evaluation.
The University of Kentucky (UK) is a leading public research institution with over 75 centers and institutes driving innovative, multidisciplinary research. Faculty, staff, and students collaborate to address complex social challenges—such as child welfare, substance use, inequality, and health disparities—through community-based, evidence-driven approaches. The College of Social Work (CoSW) plays a central role, advancing translational research and practice that promote individual and community well-being. CoSW has seen tremendous growth in its impact by creating new degree programs in social work and criminal justice and through significant expansion in both enrollment and collective extramural research funding.
The College of Social Work at UK, with over 350 faculty and staff and more than 2,300 students, excels in research, teaching, and community engagement, operating both in Lexington and at a campus in San Antonio at Fort Sam Houston. With multiple undergraduate and graduate programs in social work and criminal justice, CoSW has grown both its enrollment and its extramural research funding over 350 percent over the last several years, outpacing the University’s growth as a whole.
Reporting directly to the Dean, the Associate Dean for Research will be a vital and recognized part of the CoSW leadership team. The Associate Dean will oversee the Office of the Associate Dean for Research and will have direct reports and supports, including the opportunity to conceptualize and search for an Assistant Dean for Research. The Associate Dean works in collaboration with the Dean, the Office of the Vice President for Research, Assistant Dean for Research, Director of Centers and Labs, College Project Manager Senior, faculty, staff, and students, among others, to carry out the college’s mission and goals. As well as serving as a member of the CoSW Leadership Team, the ADR serves as an ex officio member of the college’s Research Committee.
The ideal candidate should have an attitude and ethic consistent with providing support and consultation to CoSW researchers, an earned doctorate, and an outstanding research record commensurate with an Associate Professor or full Professor. The Associate Dean should have at least two years of administration or management experience or a history of progressively responsible administrative/leadership positions. Additionally, the candidate should have experience as a principal investigator for competitive research grants or demonstrated success in attracting support for research from the private sector, along with a commitment to ensuring diverse representation of people, processes, methodologies, and content areas.
Please direct all nominations and inquiries to Rob Springall and Ethan Robles via email at [email protected] or by clicking the buttons below.
Candidates should provide a resume or CV as well as a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the Leadership Profile.