Ohio State University (OSU) has appointed Dr. David A. Jenkins (PhD, 1992) as the dean of the College of Social Work. Jenkins’ appointment is effective July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.

“Under David’s leadership, the college will build on its longstanding work, envisioning new ways to address complex individual and social problems through innovation and compassion in service to local communities, the state, the nation, and the world,” said Melissa Gillam, OSU executive vice president and provost in the announcement. “As we continue to navigate a global pandemic and profound inequalities, this work is critically important.”

He joins Ohio State from the University of Louisville, where he has served as professor and dean of the Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science since 2016. At Louisville, Jenkins advanced faculty research and teaching support while strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the Kent School and across the broader campus and communities. He also developed a new doctoral degree program in social work at the University of Louisville.

He also served on the social work faculty of Texas Christian University for 25 years, including nine years as department chair, before his time at Louisville.  He was selected as an American Council on Education fellow in 2010 and a Hartford Faculty scholar in 2007.

He has served the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE) in several roles, including as a member of the CSWE Board of Directors, co-chair of the CSWE Council on Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression, a member of the Council for Diversity and Social and Economic Justice, Council for Leadership Development and the Council on Conferences and Faculty Development.

“Much of my research has focused on the marginalization of individuals and families,” Jenkins said in a University of Louisville interview.  His scholarship focuses on health disparities faced by marginalized individuals and families, seeking to better understand lived experiences of those underrepresented in the academic and professional literature. His research frequently examines the lives and issues facing sexual minorities as individuals, couples, and families.

He is also a licensed clinical social worker with clinical practice experience in family therapy and experience in group practice and substance use.

Jenkins earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and MSW from Louisiana State University. He earned his doctoral degree in social work from Florida State University in 1992.