Wayne State School of Social Work Welcomes Interim Dean

The School of Social Work is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Richard Smith as interim dean following the retirement of former SSW Dean Dr Sheryl Kubiak. Dr. Smith has been a valued member of the Wayne State community since 2010, serving as professor and associate dean for research within the School of Social Work. His scholarship advances the school's Grand Challenges, particularly the use of technology for social good and adaptation to evolving environmental contexts.

Recognized for excellence in teaching, mentorship, and research, Dr. Smith earned the School of Social Work Teacher of the Year award in 2014 and 2016, and was honored as Postdoctoral Mentor of the Year in 2022. He holds an appointment with the WSU Institute for AI and Data Science, underscoring his commitment to interdisciplinary innovation.

"I'm honored to be selected by my fellow faculty members and our Provost to lead the School of Social Work," Interim Dean Smith said. "This year, I am making retention and graduation a priority - from orientation to graduation, we're with you."

Dr. Smith's leadership extends to numerous university committees, including the Academic Senate Budget Advisory Committee and the School of Social Work Social Entrepreneurship Committee. As interim dean, he will guide the school through a period of continued growth, fostering academic rigor, community engagement, shared governance and forward-thinking initiatives that prepare our students to lead in a rapidly changing world.

A national search for the next dean will begin this fall.