Chair School of Social Work University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas, Minnesota’s largest private university, seeks an inclusive, dynamic, and visionary leader for its renowned School of Social Work. Grounded in social justice and inspired by Catholic social thought, our mission is to educate and engage students to learn, grow, and develop their professional skills as they prepare for social work practice in support of health, well-being, and the common good.

As part of the Morrison Family College of Health (MFCOH), the School of Social Work collaborates with the School of Nursing, the Graduate School of Professional Psychology, and the Department of Health and Exercise Science to prepare highly skilled and caring professionals who are culturally responsive, practice with ingenuity, and proactively advance health equity and social justice.

Reporting to the Vice President and Founding Dean, the Chair of the School of Social Work will provide mission-driven and values-based direction to distinguish the School of Social Work among a wide field of related programs while also providing leadership to further build the interprofessional collaboration between the schools and departments of the MFCOH. The role serves on the leadership team of the Morrison Family College of Health and is a critical leader in helping to set the strategic direction of the college.

The University of St. Thomas invites qualified candidates to apply for the Chair of the School of Social Work, a 9-month faculty appointment with administrative compensation which goes 12-months. This position will begin in the summer of 2026. Candidates will build on the strengths of the School of Social Work and chart a path forward. The Chair will support the success of all social work students, faculty, and staff through their leadership and guidance.

They will have a track record of excellence in teaching and scholarship, success in operations and talent management, and experience in managing many stakeholders to provide clear communication and execute high-profile initiatives.

The Chair of the School of Social Work will play an integral role in establishing the vision, strategic priorities, program direction, and administration with the 2030 Strategic Plan. A mission-driven and values-based leader, the Chair will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and key stakeholders to develop and execute the core and strategic priorities of the School of Social Work in alignment with the strategic plan of the MFCOH and the University.

The University of St. Thomas is a vibrant, mission-driven, urban university. The main campus is located in a historic St. Paul neighborhood with easy access to downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis. In addition to being Minnesota’s largest private university, we are one of the largest Catholic colleges or universities in the nation, with more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students at our eight schools and colleges.

Learn more about life as a faculty member mas.

The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity, and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic.

This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission:
Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.

Teaching and Scholarship

Teaches undergraduate and graduate courses within the School (reduced teaching load).

Maintains active professional engagement or scholarly research agenda in their area of expertise.

• Leads the development and…