Baylor University Dean, School of Social Work Waco, TX

Active Searches Dean, School of Social Work Company: Baylor University Location: Waco, TX Date Posted: October 22, 2026 Express Interest Download Position Profile (PDF) Make a Nomination Make a Nomination x Share: Download Position Profile (PDF) Baylor University seeks an accomplished, relational, and deeply value-centered leader to serve as the next Dean of the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. GSSW is a distinctive school with a strong sense of purpose, a growing national presence, and a deep commitment to preparing social workers for leadership and service in a Christian context. Baylor University is a nationally recognized Christian university committed to integrating academic excellence and Christian faith. Baylor is classified as a Carnegie R1 research university, reflecting its commitment to teaching, scholarship, and interdisciplinary research. The Diana R. Garland School of Social Work offers six degree programs across each level of higher education and the School’s mission is to prepare students for social work and service-oriented careers in a Christian context for worldwide service and leadership. The next Dean will lead GSSW at an important moment in its evolution and in Baylor’s continued development as an R1 research university. At the heart of the opportunity is the chance to advance GSSW’s distinctive identity and promise. The next Dean will strengthen the infrastructure, culture, and resources necessary to support a thriving research enterprise while ensuring that the School’s longstanding commitment to professional preparation and practice remains central to its identity. The Dean will also champion the School’s distinctive integration of Christian faith, social work values, and professional ethics, helping articulate the contribution that they can make to Baylor, the social work profession, and communities locally, nationally, and globally. The successful candidate will be an accomplished social work educator, scholar, and leader who is deeply committed to Baylor University’s Christian mission and to the values, ethics, and purposes of the social work profession. The candidate will bring a mature and thoughtful understanding of the relationship between Christian faith and social work philosophy and practice and will be able to articulate how faith informs their own life and leadership. The successful candidate will bring substantive academic leadership experience in social work as well as a record of scholarship and an understanding of the expectations of an R1 research environment. Equally important will be an appreciation for professional practice and the ability to support a faculty with varied roles and responsibilities. Screening will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. Completed applications should be submitted using DSG’s Talent Profile and should include a CV and a cover letter addressing (1) interest in the position, (2) how the candidate’s experience will help the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work achieve its aspirations for the future, (3) their teaching, research, and clinical experiences and accomplishments and directions, and (4) their own faith journey and efforts to foster a Christ-centered learning environment. The anticipated start date is on or before July 1, 2027. Nominations and inquiries should be directed electronically to [email protected] . Kim M. Morrisson, Ph.D., Senior Advisor Christine Falcone, Managing Associate DSG Global This is a full-time position that will be performed on site in Waco, Texas. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.