FSU Alumna Named Dean of University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work
Dr. Yarneccia D. Dyson has been selected as the next dean of the University of Houston’s (UH) Graduate School of Social Work, where she will also hold the honor of the Maconda Brown O’Connor Endowed Dean’s Chair. She will step into the role on June 1, 2025.
Dr. Dyson previously served as executive director and head of the School of Social Work at North Carolina State University since 2022. She has also held faculty and/or administrative positions with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, the University of Alabama (graduate faculty), Benedict College and James Madison University (visiting scholar).
Dyson describes her leadership style as encompassing three distinct styles: transformational, collaborative, and servant leadership.
“As a leader, I am committed to inspiring and motivating teams towards a shared vision, building trust and engagement, as well as fostering supportive environments that center well-being and belonging,” she said. “I believe in co-creating change with faculty, staff, students, and community partners—centering transparency, mutual respect, psychological safety, and accountability.”
Her research has been featured in various academic publications, including the Journal of Social Work Education, Social Work in Public Health, the Journal of America College Health, Affilia – Journal of Women and Social Work.
“Dr. Dyson has an impressive academic background and will bring new energy to UH’s Graduate College of Social Work,” said UH Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Diane Z. Chase. “She is an accomplished researcher with proven leadership abilities. I am confident that she will work well with our faculty and students to enhance the GCSW’s standing as a premier college for aspiring social work practitioners.”
A UH article announcing her new role described that “she plans to work alongside the GCSW faculty, staff, students, alumni and external partners. Dyson is optimistic that such collaborations will advance the college’s scholarly output and produce professionals ready to serve their communities.”
She earned a BSW from Florida A&M University in 2002, an MSW from Florida State University in 2003 and a doctoral degree in social work policy, planning and administration from Clark Atlanta University in 2009.
“UH is a campus of promise, rising and soaring towards the goal of being a Top 50 University,” she said. “The commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, student success and community engagement—coupled with the spirit of innovation and opportunity—sparked my interest. This is a dynamic place to envision new ideas and support a strong Graduate College of Social Work in contributing to these commitments in meaningful ways that will impact society.”