Florida State University has named an expert on forensic mental health as dean of the College of Social Work.

James J. Clark, who has served as professor and director of the School of Social Work in the University of Cincinnati’s College of Allied Health Sciences since July 2012, will begin work at Florida State on July 20.

“Dr. James Clark is an outstanding scholar and administrator who really understands the importance of community outreach in social work,” said Sally McRorie, interim provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs at FSU. “I am confident that Dean Clark will continue to build excellence in every aspect of the College of Social Work and will be a great addition to our community.”

Clark will succeed Nicholas F. Mazza, who has served as dean of the College of Social Work since 2010. Mazza will step down in July and retire this fall. McRorie commended Mazza for his commitment and dedication over his years of leading the college.

“Nick and the faculty have helped the College of Social Work to grow in student numbers, particularly graduate students, and to become increasingly known for quality research and programming,” McRorie said.

In his focus on forensic mental health, Clark works at the nexus of the justice, mental health and child welfare systems. He has published in the areas of substance abuse, criminal justice and child traumatic stress, and he is currently co-editing book for the American Bar Association on best practices in death penalty mitigation.

“I am very honored and excited to be joining such an accomplished faculty and staff at Florida State University,” Clark said. “I have been overwhelmed by their warmth and hospitality and their enthusiasm about advancing the College of Social Work. I am very much looking forward to working closely with Interim Provost Sally McRorie and the FSU leadership team.