Dear Tulane Community:

We are pleased to announce that Susan Davies, who has been an outstanding interim dean for the School of Social Work, will now officially lead the school as its next dean, effective immediately.

Since assuming the interim role in the summer of 2024, Susan has provided inspiring leadership of one of the nation’s longest-accredited social work programs. Drawing on her public health background, she has helped foster a unified, research-focused environment that emphasizes expanding grant opportunities and advancing the school’s mission to investigate and find solutions to the issues facing our society.

The School of Social Work’s greatest strength is its community of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners who Susan has united in a shared commitment to the core values of the social work profession and the communities they serve.

Widely recognized as a leading researcher on such issues as reducing HIV and STIs, curbing unintended adolescent pregnancy and addressing mental health concerns for mothers living in poverty, Susan arrived at Tulane in 2020 after a distinguished 30-year career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). There, she directed the university’s CDC-funded Prevention Research Center and held scientific appointments in seven other UAB centers, including their Center for AIDS Research, Minority Health Research Center and Center for Clinical and Translational Science. 

The School of Social Work has a long and distinguished history of preparing social work practitioners and scholars who bring evidence, empathy, ethical clarity and the skills to create meaningful change in the communities they serve.

Under Susan’s leadership, the Tulane School of Social Work is well positioned to build on its strong foundation, expand its impact and continue attracting talented students, faculty and partners dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities. We look forward to Susan’s continued leadership.

Please join us in congratulating Susan on her appointment.

Michael A. Fitts, President
Robin Forman, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost