FACULTY NEWS
Dr . Steven Anderson returns to University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign
Dr . Steve Anderson
MSU School of Social Work Director Dr . Steven Anderson recently accepted the position of dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign . Dr . Anderson has returned to the school where he earned his bachelor ’ s and master ’ s degrees in social work and was an assistant professor and an associate professor from 1997 to 2010 .
“ It has been a wonderful opportunity to serve as director of the MSU School of Social Work . It is a great place , and I am very appreciative of the consistent , high quality work and efforts of so many people here . I likewise am thankful for the strong support I have received from the School and MSU during my directorship and for the many kindnesses extended to my family and me . While I am looking forward to my new position at UIUC , I will miss this place very much ,” said Dr . Anderson .
It is clear that he will be missed as well . At the final school meeting of Dr . Anderson ’ s tenure , several faculty
Associate Professor Dr . Pilar Horner and Executive Secretary Pat Talbot present Dr . Steve Anderson with parting gifts at the School ’ s annual meeting .
members came to the podium to recount stories of how he led the School in positive ways , encouraged their work , or advised on a difficult situation . Executive Secretary Pat Talbot presented parting gifts and told of her appreciation of her time working with Dr . Anderson .
Dr . John Mooradian , who joined the School of Social Work faculty in 2005 and has served as associate director of the School since 2015 , is serving as the interim director .
Mooradian , Woodward , Eaton to serve as interim directors
Dr . John Mooradian
Dr . Amanda Woodward
Dr . John Mooradian has been named interim director of the School of Social Work upon the departure of Dr . Steven Anderson . College of Social Science Dean Rachel Croson stated , “ Dr . Mooradian joined the School of Social Work faculty in 2005 , and he has served as associate director of the School since 2015 . He is a highly skilled administrator who understands all aspects of the School ’ s operations , and I especially appreciate his leadership as the School enters its cycle of reaffirmation .”
Upon this appointment , Dr . Anderson said , “ I was pleased with Dean ’ s Croson ’ s selection of John
Monaca Eaton
Mooradian as interim director . I have worked closely with John during my entire time here , most prominently over the past two years as he has served as associate director . I admire his strong leadership and administrative skills , as well as his long-standing commitment to the School , and I am confident that he will work collectively with all to keep the School on a positive path .”
Dr . Amanda Woodward will act as the interim associate director for
academic affairs while also performing her duties as director of the MSW Program .
BASW Program Director Monaca Eaton will also take on the responsibilities of the interim associate director for instruction .
A Mission of Social Justice and Positive Change : The MSU School of Social Work is dedicated to educating students for ethical , competent , responsive , and innovative social work practice , and to conducting and disseminating high quality research that improves the well-being of the most vulnerable in society . Our teaching , research , and outreach synergistically promote social justice , positive change , and solutions to the problems facing diverse individuals , families , groups , organizations , and communities .
16 Fall 2017 / Winter 2018 SSW NEWS