New Dean Appointed to College of Social Work

Jenkins joins the college from the University of Louisville, where he currently serves as professor and dean of the Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science since 2016. As dean, he has focused on creating a culture that supports faculty research, resulting in a portfolio of $31 million in external funding. He has developed online programs, including a new Doctor of Social Work degree, and strengthened efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion within the Kent School and across the broader campus and communities. He currently serves as director of academic leadership development in the provost’s office and has worked on university-wide budgeting.

His scholarship focuses on health disparities faced by marginalized individuals and families, seeking to better understand lived experiences of those underrepresented in academic and professional literature. Most frequently, his research examines the lives and issues facing sexual minorities as individuals, couples and families.

Jenkins earned his BS in business administration and MSW from Louisiana State University in addition to a PhD in social work from Florida State University. He also is certified as a licensed clinical social worker. Before arriving at the University of Louisville, he served on the social work faculty of Texas Christian University for 25 years, including nine years as department chair.

“I am thrilled to be joining the College of Social Work at The Ohio State University,” says Jenkins. “The college plays such an important role on the campus, in Columbus, and throughout the state of Ohio. I look forward to building on the great work of Dean Gregoire.”

During a time of growth and stability shepherded by Dean Gregoire, Jenkins comes to Columbus to lead the college’s next chapter. Since becoming dean in 2008, Gregoire has made it a priority to showcase faculty, staff, students and alumni for their contributions to the understanding of society’s most vexing social problems. His leadership has focused on technology, online education, social justice, increasing research funding and most importantly, scholarships to students. Under Gregoire’s direction, between 2012 and 2020, the college has advanced in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate School rankings from 26th nationally and 15^th among public universities, to 13th nationally and 6th among publics, respectively.

Jenkins is poised to continue the momentum and move the college forward.

For more information, contact Frankie Jones-Harris, communications director, at jones-harris.1@osu.edu or 614-330-2206.