Nicholas Mazza, Ph.D., is Dean Emeritus, and Patricia V. Vance Professor of Social Work Emeritus. He served as a faculty member from 1981 through 2015, the last seven years as dean (2008-2015). He is a published poet, and the founding (1987) and continuing editor of the Journal of Poetry Therapy. He is currently serving a second term as president of the National Association for Poetry Therapy (2022-2024). He holds Florida licenses in clinical social work, psychology, and marriage & family therapy.

Amy L. Ai is a distinguished research professor and is a faculty affiliate with both the FSU Institute for Successful Longevity and the Pepper Institute for Aging and Public Policy. Her research interests include gerontology, health disparities, cultural diversity, behavioral intervention, mindfulness, mental health, spirituality, stress and coping. She is a fellow of the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare, as well as a Fulbright scholar.