Remembering Dean and Faculty Member Ray Bardill
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.
“Dean Bardill will be remembered as a pivotal person in shaping the College of Social Work at Florida State University,” reflected Dean David Springer. “He led by example through his commitment to service and clinical practice. Ray cared deeply about this community, and his spirit and legacy carry on through our collective work in the College.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Bardill dedicated his life to serving others. He was born and raised in Tennessee, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in social work from the University of Tennessee, followed by a doctoral degree in clinical social work from Smith College.
Dr. Bardill served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, including several years as an Army social worker. He retired in 1978 as a Lieutenant Colonel, serving as the chief of staff of social work at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He was also awarded the U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit during his service.
While still in Washington, DC, he taught part-time as a professor at The Catholic University Graduate School of Social Work and was a periodic lecturer at his doctoral alma mater, Smith College’s School of Social Work. He also dedicated many years to private practice, supporting individuals and couples through marriage and family therapy.
He authored three professional books in the field of social work and contributed to the field through his research, publishing numerous articles and conducting numerous workshops.
A Legacy at Florida State University
Dr. Bardill was appointed dean in 1979 after his retirement from the military. He led the School of Social Work through two periods of reaccreditation, the first at the beginning of his tenure as dean. With the support of then Provost Gus Turnbull, he targeted opportunities for growth and funding. Prior to the FSU College of Social Work’s Online MSW Program, he expanded off-campus program offerings in Florida, including programs in Orlando, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Panama City and Pensacola.
As one of the second-longest serving deans, Dr. Bardill also oversaw the School of Social Work’s transition from the Bellamy Building to the University Center C building, where the college resides today. This step ensured that the social work programs at FSU could continue to grow.
“I am hard pressed to capture in a few words all that Ray Bardill did for the School, later changed to College, of Social Work, the profession and all the people we serve,” stated Dr. Nick Mazza, emeritus dean and professor at the College of Social Work. “He was the single most important leader in building the foundation for the College we are all so proud to call our own. He was the model dean who supported students, faculty, staff, and the larger community.”
During Dr. Bardill’s deanship, two certificate programs that exist today were developed, focusing on child welfare and leadership in executive and administrative development. He worked hard to maintain consistent funding and promotion of faculty and doctoral student research as well as educational excellence.
Dr. Bardill also remained dedicated to supporting veterans, a commitment that remains with the College of Social Work today. He secured paid field placements throughout the Southeastern Veteran Administrations and actively recruited doctoral students from the military.
“I am very grateful to Dean Bardill, who offered me my first academic social work position here at FSU in 1984. In part, thanks to him, I have had a positive social work faculty career,” shared Dr. Bruce Thyer, distinguished research professor and a former dean of the college. “It was ironic when I returned to FSU in 2002 as dean, he was on the faculty. We always got along well, and I also appreciated his lengthy and distinguished service as an Army social worker.”
Through and through, Dr. Bardill’s legacy was one of unswerving devotion to the field of social work, ensuring, through his skills in administration, to support the growth and advancement of the School of Social Work and the education of competent and compassionate social workers.
“As a dean, he didn’t just say that service was important; he served on local, state, and national levels. He didn’t just say teaching was important; he taught one class each semester, Family Counseling and Intensive Family Therapy. His classes were always filled to capacity,” expressed Dr. Mazza. “Beyond all of Ray Bardill’s accomplishments is a good and decent man who modeled integrity, commitment and personal/professional excellence. I feel extremely fortunate that Ray hired me back in 1981, and we became long-standing colleagues and friends. “