Dr. David Springer will step into the role as interim dean of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) while UT conducts a national search for a new dean. More than two decades as a professor and academic leader at UT Austin have prepared him for this new leadership role. He is a three-time graduate of Florida State University, including a bachelor’s degree in psychology (1990) and two degrees from the College of Social Work (MSW, 1992; PhD, 1997).

“Serving as interim dean of the LBJ School of Public Affairs provides a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with our faculty, students, alumni, and supporters of the school to navigate this important transition and to continue our trajectory for continued success and growth,” said Dr. Springer. “In this season of the 50th anniversary of the LBJ School and in the face of unprecedented challenges at home and globally, we must be tireless in advancing President Johnson’s legacy to prepare the next generation of public leaders.”

For the past six years, Dr. Springer has served as director of the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service at UT Austin, as both an academic and researcher. The RGK Center was born over dinner hosted at the home of Lady Bird Johnson with the Center’s Founding Director Curtis Meadows, Jr., and benefactors Ronya and George Kozmetsky. The mission of  the RGK Center is to prepare the next generation of nonprofit and philanthropic leaders through education, research, and service. Dr. Springer will continue to serve in his role as the RGK Center’s director during his time as interim dean of the School of Public Affairs.

He first came to UT Austin as an assistant professor in 1997 after graduating from the doctoral program at FSU, and later served as the associate dean for then-Dean of the UT Austin School of Social Work, Dr. Barbara Williams White. The influence and mentorship of Dr. Barbara White, a fellow FSU alumna and former associate dean of the FSU College of Social Work, was transformational. “Barbara took me under her wing, and modeled for me daily how to be an authentic and servant leader,” Dr. Springer recalls. “Barbara passed away last year, and I miss her. But our conversations and her voice linger.”

Dr. Springer served as associate dean under Dean White for ten years and also served as interim associate dean for academic strategies at the LBJ School and as dean of the Portland State University School of Social Work. For Dr. Springer, bridging direct practice and public policy has been a priority in all of his roles.

His research centers around effective leadership, nonprofits and systems to strengthen communities, particularly where mental health, positive youth development, and juvenile justice intersect. After completing his MSW at FSU, he worked as a clinical social worker before entering the FSU College of Social Work doctoral program. This experience stuck with him. “Staying true to these roots, I have remained engaged in scholarship that informs clinical social work,” stated Dr. Springer. This focus on clinical practice is highlighted in one of his most recent books, Measures for Clinical Practice and Research (6th edition), co-edited with Drs. Kevin Corcoran and Joel Fischer (Oxford University Press).

Along with his commitment to practice, policy, and research, Dr. Springer has maintained an active role as a UT Austin teacher. “I love teaching!” he expounded. “It is my favorite part of being a professor.” He recently taught a graduate seminar on “Leadership as a Catalyst for Community Change,” along with a freshman seminar on “Designing a Happy and Meaningful Life.” Dr. Springer noted that the common thread in the courses he teaches emphasizes leading and living with intention. “Leadership can be taught,” he added. “Our students can matriculate from our programs empowered to lead from where they are, given their unique strengths and values.”

He has been particularly inspired by his students, who have shown exceptional resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning. “As much as we all crave connection with others during the pandemic”, Springer reflected, “it is essential to look for ways to foster deep connections and conversations with our students by making ourselves available - inside and outside of the virtual classroom.

Dr. Springer has sought inspiration from mentors like Dr. Barbara White when connecting with students and taking on new challenges as interim dean. “As a first-generation college student, I never took the experience and education for granted,” he emphasized. “My years at Florida State played an instrumental role in preparing me to serve in this role – from esteemed faculty and mentors at the College of Social Work to my close-knit classmates. I am truly fortunate that I was educated as an FSU ‘Nole and continue my growth as a Texas Longhorn.”