Susan Davies named dean of Tulane School of Social Work

Susan Davies, who has served as interim dean of Tulane University School of Social Work since the summer of 2024, has been appointed as the school's permanent dean.

In a message to the Tulane community on Friday, April 24, Tulane President Michael A. Fitts and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Robin Forman said Davies has been an "outstanding interim dean" and "has provided inspiring leadership of one of the nation's longest-accredited social work programs."

Since stepping into the interim role, Davies has worked to build a more unified, research-focused environment, advancing the school's mission to address complex social challenges through evidence-based solutions. Her leadership has emphasized the core values of the social work profession and a shared commitment to the communities the school serves, Fitts and Forman wrote.

Under Davies' leadership, the School of Social Work is well positioned to build on its strong foundation, expand its impact and continue attracting talented students, faculty and partners, the leaders added.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this community as dean," Davies said. "Together, we will continue to advance rigorous scholarship and academic excellence that improves lives."

Davies joined Tulane in 2020 following a distinguished 30-year career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. While there, she directed a Centers for Disease Control-funded Prevention Research Center and held scientific appointments in seven additional centers, including the Center for AIDS Research, the Minority Health Research Center and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science. Her research has focused on reducing HIV and sexually transmitted infections, preventing unintended adolescent pregnancy and addressing mental health concerns among mothers living in poverty.

Tulane School of Social Work has a longstanding tradition of preparing practitioners and scholars who combine evidence, empathy and ethical leadership to create meaningful change, according to Davies.

"My goal is to honor this legacy while positioning the school at the forefront of social work education, research, and community engagement for the decades ahead," Davies said.