Kyaien O. Conner has been named the dean of the School of Social Work following a comprehensive national search. A nationally recognized scholar, educator and leader, Conner will assume her new role on July 15.

Conner (A&S '02; SOC WK '04G, '08G; SPH '07G) is a four-time Pitt graduate, having earned a BS in psychology from the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, MSW from the School of Social Work, MPH with a specialization in minority health and health disparities from the School of Public Health and finally her PhD in social work. After beginning her academic career at the University of South Florida, Conner returned to Pitt as a professor in the School of Social Work in 2023. She currently serves as associate dean, Donald M. Henderson Endowed Chair and director of the Center on Race and Social Problems.

Conner's research examines the drivers of disparities in health and mental health care access, use and outcomes, with a focus on advancing responsive behavioral health interventions. She currently serves as principal investigator of a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute award evaluating a transitions-in-care intervention aimed at reducing health disparities among patients discharged from hospitals with co-occurring chronic illness and mental illness. She is also co-investigator on a multi-site National Institute of Mental Health study focused on training volunteers in low-income communities to deliver brief depression interventions to peers experiencing acute depression, helping to expand community-based mental health support.

Conner also serves in a leadership capacity on the National Institutes of Health-funded Advanced Research Institute for Geriatric Psychiatry. She also authored legislation signed into law in Florida in 2021 to restructure the State Office of Minority Health and Health Equity.

Her contributions have earned numerous distinctions, including the University of Pittsburgh Distinguished Alumni Award. At South Florida, she received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Civic and Community Engagement and the Black Faculty Member of the Year Award.

"Throughout her career, Dr. Conner has exemplified collaborative leadership, academic excellence, and an unwavering commitment to community-building," said Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Joseph J. McCarthy. "I am confident that her vision, energy and dedication will guide the School of Social Work to even greater impact and distinction in the years ahead."