Dean, Jane Addams College of Social Work

Position Summary

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) invites applications, inquiries, and nominations for the next dean of the Jane Addams College of Social Work (JACSW). Nationally recognized for scholarship, professional education, community engagement, and a sustained commitment to justice, JACSW carries forward the legacy of Jane Addams and the Hull-House movement in a contemporary urban context.

UIC seeks an accomplished scholar and experienced academic leader who will embrace the university's distinctive role as an urban-serving public research university and advance the college's educational, research, and public-service missions. At a time when the need for social workers is accelerating and the profession faces increasingly complex opportunities and challenges, the new JACSW dean will chart the course for the college to build on its strengths, forge new pathways, and shape the future of social work.

The next dean will be a nationally recognized scholar with an academic leadership record commensurate with the complexity of the role and an approach characterized by openness, reliability, intellectual curiosity, accountability, and respect. The dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of the Jane Addams College of Social Work.

As such, the next dean will develop and implement a shared strategic direction; advance academic quality and student success; strengthen research and scholarly impact; build a culture of shared governance, transparency and trust; recruit, retain, and support excellent faculty and staff; deepen reciprocal community and professional partnerships; and ensure responsible and sustainable stewardship for the college.

The dean reports to the UIC vice chancellor for health affairs and collaborates with leaders across UIC’s 16 Colleges , the University of Illinois Hospital Health Sciences System (UI Health), and the University of Illinois System. The dean also represents the college with alumni, donors, government agencies, professional organizations, community partners, and the broader social work profession.

The Jane Addams College of Social Work The Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago is a nationally recognized leader in graduate social work education, research, and public engagement, dedicated to advancing social, racial, and economic justice for everyone. Consistently ranked among the nation’s top social work programs, JACSW combines academic excellence with a deep commitment to community partnership, preparing leaders in practice, policy, research, and administration through innovative MSW, joint MSW/MPH, PhD, and professional education programs.

The college is distinguished by its community-engaged research enterprise, with faculty and research centers partnering with government agencies, healthcare systems, and community organizations to address critical issues (i.e., behavioral health, child welfare, justice systems, substance-use policy, crisis response) while serving as Illinois’ academic and research partner on major statewide behavioral health initiatives.

As part of UI Health, UIC’s academic health enterprise, JACSW offers exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, research, and impact in addressing society’s most pressing social and health challenges. Procedure for Candidacy: The University of Illinois Chicago invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Dean, Jane Addams College of Social Work.

Applications received by October 30, 2026 , will receive fullest consideration. The search will remain open until November 13, 2026. Nominations may be submitted via the Dean Nomination Form on the JACSW Dean Search website or by email to JACSWDean. Search@uic.edu. Applications may be submitted via the UIC application portal.

Candidates should submit their curriculum vitae and a cover letter describing how their experience and leadership approach address the qualifications for the job and the priorities of the college. For more information, please visit the JACSW Search Website