Longtime Faculty Member Dr. Dina Wilke Retires
After twenty-four years as a faculty member of the FSU College of Social Work, Dr. Dina Wilke will retire at the end of the summer 2025 semester.
Throughout Dr. Wilke’s tenure, she served in numerous leadership positions at the college, including as associate dean for academic affairs from 2007 until 2014. She has also been a long-standing faculty affiliate of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare (FICW).
Her research focused on the child welfare workforce, intimate partner violence, and social work education. As principal investigator for the FICW Florida Study of Professionals for Safe Families, Dr. Wilke played an integral leadership role in the longitudinal study (2015-2020) to shed light on recruitment and retention issues for the child welfare workforce. This research helped to support significant investments into Florida’s child welfare professionals.
In addition to her research, Dr. Wilke was a dedicated mentor for both faculty and students, receiving a nomination for an FSU Graduate Mentoring Award in 2016. “I have always found teaching and mentoring to be the most gratifying part of my work at FSU,” she shared. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to be a part of the development of young professionals.”
Dr. Wilke was an important member of the College of Social Work’s International Programs. She was a founding co-Director of the Alternative Spring Break program, fostered international student exchange programs in Sweden and Australia, and hosted an international trip for licensed clinical social workers’ continuing education to explore social work in other countries.
“I had wonderful mentors during my time at FSU who literally opened the world to me,” recalled Dr. Wilke fondly. “ I believe we all benefit from opportunities to put local issues into a broader context through living and learning in international settings.”
Dr. Wilke was honored in May 2025 at the annual FICW Symposium with the inaugural Legacy Award, with Dr. Lisa Magruder, FICW’s director, noting that the award “honors Dr. Wilke’s exceptional dedication, leadership, and lasting impact on the field of child welfare and social work...Her pioneering work, particularly through the Florida Study of Professionals for Safe Families, has expanded the understanding of child welfare issues and led to the development of innovative programs and policies that have positively impacted thousands of lives…Through her leadership, she has helped to secure better resources, training, and support for those working on the front lines of child welfare.”
The College of Social Work also celebrated Dina’s retirement in May with a party at the Pearl Tyner House at the FSU Alumni Association. “Dina was a consummate professor, teacher, scholar, and administrator,” shared Dr. Nick Mazza, dean and professor emeritus at the event.
“I’ve worked with an incredible group of people,” said Dr. Wilke. “I’m very grateful for my time at FSU and for the support given to me throughout the years. I’m looking forward to what comes next, including long-lasting friendships and continued engagement with the College.”
In lieu of retirement gifts, Dr. Wilke suggests donations to the John and Meg Paschal International Social Work Scholarship or the Florida Institute for Child Welfare (FICW) Fund via the link or address below:
Donate to the John and Meg Paschal International Social Work Scholarship:
Online: https://give.fsu.edu/InternationalSocialWork
By Mail:
FSU Foundation
John & Meg Paschal International Social Work Scholarship (F08055S)
325 W. College Ave.
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Donate to the Florida Institute for Child Welfare Fund:
Online: https://give.fsu.edu/FICW
By Mail:
FSU Foundation
Florida Institute for Child Welfare (F09423)
325 W. College Ave.
Tallahassee, FL 32308
