Craig Stanley, who started his academic career in 2004 in Florida State University’s College of Social Work, is taking on a new role as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects in the Office of Faculty Development and Advancement. He starts his new position Oct. 23. 

“I am delighted that Craig is joining the Office of Faculty Development and Advancement,” said Janet Kistner, Vice President for Faculty Development and Advancement. “I have had the pleasure of working with him on committees and projects. He is well known by the campus community for his support of faculty and student success, his mastery of academic policies, and his creative efforts to advance the university’s academic mission.” 

Stanley has held several key leadership roles in the College of Social Work, most recently as interim dean, a role he stepped into in January 2022 when then-Dean Jim Clark was appointed FSU’s provost. Stanley was well-prepared for that role, having served as the college’s Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Student Affairs since 2015. Prior to that, he directed the Master of Social Work program from 2009 to 2015, overseeing the growth of online programs.  

A licensed clinical social worker who has spent more than a decade as a social work practitioner, Stanley previously held roles at DISC Village, where he administered residential substance use programs, and the Children’s Home Society, where he administered community mental health programs that served children and families in North Florida.  

A two-time graduate of Florida State University, Stanley received his doctoral degree in higher education from the FSU College of Education in 2014 and earned his MSW at FSU in 1997.   

“During my time at FSU, I have benefited from excellent opportunities to grow and develop as a faculty member,” Stanley said. “The Office of Faculty Development and Advancement has been integral to that growth throughout my career. I am both honored and humbled to be selected to join this incredible team. I look forward to working with colleagues across the university as we strive to recruit, support and retain FSU’s world-class faculty.”