Faculty & Research News
FSU College of Social Work Launches New Institute Focused on Justice and Health Innovation Research
Thursday, March 12, 2026
The College of Social Work at Florida State University is establishing the Justice and Health Innovation Research Institute (JHI) to address disparities between the justice system and the fields of behavioral health and substance abuse care.
The institute will draw from the college’s legacy of scholarship and instruction in substance use, behavioral health and criminal justice.
Posted Under: CSW General, Faculty & Research
FSU College of Social Work Dean Search 2026
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Florida State University (FSU) invites nominations, expressions of interest, and applications for the position of Dean in the College of Social Work. The University seeks a dynamic and passionate leader and scholar who will advance social work research and support the College's mission of preparing professionals who enhance human well-being.
The University has retained WittKieffer to assist with this national search.
Posted Under: CSW General, Faculty & Research
FSU Social Work and Florida Institute for Child Welfare Participate in AI Day in the Capital
Monday, February 23, 2026
On January 22, the FSU College of Law hosted the 2026 FSU AI Day in the Capital event, which brought together leaders in government, law, technology, and academia from across the university to examine the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for public institutions, civic infrastructure and ethical governance.
Posted Under: Alumni & Friends, CSW General, Faculty & Research
Faculty Member Elected as Society for Social Work and Research Director-At-Large
Friday, January 23, 2026
Dr. Lisa Schelbe, associate dean for Academic Affairs and Jeanene M. Janes Professor in Child Welfare at the FSU College of Social Work, was elected to serve as director-at-large for the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR). Her three-year term begins February 1, 2026.
Posted Under: CSW General, Faculty & Research
FSU Social Work Research Shines at 2026 SSWR Conference
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
The FSU College of Social Work (FSU CSW) participated in the 2026 Society for Social Work and Research Conference in Washington, DC.
Posted Under: Doctoral Program, CSW General, Faculty & Research
Remembering Dean and Faculty Member Ray Bardill
Tuesday, December 02, 2025
Dr. Donald Ray Bardill, who served as a social work faculty member at FSU and as a dean for the then School of Social Work (1979–1994), passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on November 23, 2025.
Posted Under: Alumni & Friends, Faculty & Research
FSU Faculty Member Shares Qualitative Research Expertise with University of Kerala Colleagues
Thursday, October 16, 2025
This summer, Dr. John Mathias was the keynote speaker at a one-day Workshop on Qualitative Research and Ethnography at the Central University of Kerala, Department of Social Work in southern India.
Posted Under: Faculty & Research
Dean David Springer Becomes NASW Pioneer and FADD President
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
This year, Dean David Springer was selected as a National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Social Work Pioneer. The program honors members of the social work profession who have made significant contributions to the growth and enrichment of the profession, as well as their exceptional dedication, commitment and determination to improve social and human conditions.
Posted Under: Alumni & Friends, CSW General, Faculty & Research
FSU Social Work Welcomes New Faculty Member Kaela Byers
Wednesday, September 03, 2025
“My inspiration to pursue social work stemmed from a commitment to human rights and desire to address disparities at a systems level, particularly for vulnerable children and families,” shared Dr. Kaela Byers. “I was particularly drawn to the potential for research to inform policy and practice changes that lead to more supportive and accessible systems.”
Posted Under: CSW General, Faculty & Research
FSU Social Work Welcomes New Faculty Member JaNiene Peoples
Thursday, August 28, 2025
“My passion for pursuing a career in social work stems from the field’s unique integration of human rights and justice into its values and multi-level frameworks,” expressed Dr. JaNiene Peoples. “Social work, especially within research, offers the opportunity to build collaborative, transformative partnerships that drive change.”