Houston Daily

Yarneccia D. Dyson has been announced as the sole finalist emerging from a nationwide search for the new dean of the Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) at the University of Houston. She will take on her new role and the Maconda Brown O’Connor Endowed Dean’s Chair starting June 1.

Dyson transitions to UH from her current position at North Carolina State University, where she is the executive director and head of the School of Social Work. Her academic career includes positions at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Benedict College, James Madison University, and the University of Alabama.

“Dr. Dyson has an impressive academic background and will bring new energy to UH’s Graduate College of Social Work,” stated Diane Z. Chase, UH Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. “She is an accomplished researcher with proven leadership abilities. I am confident that she will work well with our faculty and students to enhance the GCSW’s standing as a premier college for aspiring social work practitioners.”

Dyson identifies as an adaptable leader embracing transformational, collaborative, and servant leadership. In her own words, she is committed to "inspiring and motivating teams towards a shared vision, building trust and engagement, as well as fostering supportive environments that center well-being and belonging."

Her scholarship includes works published in various academic journals, and she plans to collaborate with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners in her new role. She emphasized her commitment to "contributing to the expansion of a diverse and dynamic social work workforce—graduating practitioners, researchers, scholars, healers, and leaders."

Dyson's educational background includes a Ph.D. from Clark Atlanta University’s Whitney M. Young, Jr. School of Social Work, a Master's from The Florida State University, and a Bachelor's from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She is eager to apply her knowledge as a social-behavioral scientist, scholar, and academic leader at UH, which she describes as "a campus of promise."

“UH is a campus of promise, rising and soaring towards the goal of being a Top 50 University,” she expressed. “The commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, student success and community engagement—coupled with the spirit of innovation and opportunity—sparked my interest. This is a dynamic place to envision new ideas and support a strong Graduate College of Social Work in contributing to these commitments in meaningful ways that will impact society.”