Associate Dean for Research, College of Social Work
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY - United States
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 (Associate Dean). 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 was founded in 1865 in Lexington, KY, is the state’s largest public land-grant research university, with 16 colleges and numerous programs. Classified as an R1: Doctoral University, UK spent $504 million on research in 2022-23 and had over 36,000 students in Fall 2024. The 784-acre campus includes seven libraries, with the William T. Young Library being the largest. UK is one of only eight U.S. institutions with a full range of disciplines on one campus and has received multiple awards for diversity and workplace excellence. 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 satellite campus in San Antonio. CoSW houses unique centers and labs that foster multidisciplinary research to address contemporary challenges, committed to diversity, fairness, and justice.
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 Anissa Conner via email at [email protected] or by clicking the buttons below.
Candidates should provide a resume and a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the Leadership Profile.