I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Kirk A. Foster as the new dean of the School of Social Work, marking another milestone in our commitment to academic excellence and student success.
Dr. Foster currently holds the position of professor and director of the School of Social Work at East Carolina University. He brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in the field, making him an excellent fit for this pivotal role leading one of the nation's largest and most diverse social work programs. His appointment is scheduled to begin Feb. 1, 2024.
Dr. Foster’s experience as a leader, scholar and teacher, make him the right choice for this pivotal role in our academic community. His commitment to excellence will propel the School of Social Work toward a future marked by innovation, growth and a profound impact on society.
His impressive academic journey includes serving as an associate professor and associate dean in the College of Social Work at the University of South Carolina, where he made significant contributions to community research for social welfare and social change. His extensive knowledge in human behavior, social work practice with organizations, and social welfare policy positions him as a leader in his field.
He currently leads funded research in community trust in law enforcement, focusing specifically on the voices of BIPOC communities. His scholarly achievements were recognized in 2016 when the Society for Social Work and Research awarded Best Scholarly Book to his work Chasing the American Dream: Understanding What Shapes Our Fortunes.
He earned a Ph.D. and Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and holds a Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary. He earned his bachelor's degree in Russian and East European Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Dr. Foster shares UTA's commitment to creating a supportive environment for students. He expressed his enthusiasm by stating he looks forward to leading the school in its mission to address pressing societal issues and provide evidence-based solutions.
I am sincerely thankful for the hard work of the search committee, chaired by James P. Grover, dean of the Graduate School. The committee’s wide range of perspectives and diligence was critical throughout the selection process.
I also appreciate Debra Woody for her committed service as interim dean since June 2023. Her diligence and expertise have been vital to the success of the school as we searched for its next leader.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Foster to the University, and stay tuned for exciting developments under his capable leadership.
