Barbara L. Jones, Ph.D., the Josleen and Frances Lockhart Memorial Professor for Direct Practice in Social Work at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work (SHS), has accepted a position as Dean of the Boston University School of Social Work.

Jones, who first began at SHS in 2004 as an Assistant Professor, will begin her role at Boston University effective August 1.

“Dr. Jones will be deeply missed at the University of Texas, but we are elated to see her lead at the BU School of Social Work,” said Allan Cole, Dean of SHS. “Barbara’s well-deserved appointment is a testament to both her and the quality of faculty we have at the Steve Hicks School. Her exemplary work has prepared her well for this new leadership role.”

Jones is associate dean for health affairs, and director of the Institute for Collaborative Health Research and Practice at the at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work. At Dell Medical School, Jones is chair of the Department of Health Social Work, and professor of Health Social Work, with courtesy appointments in Population Health, Oncology, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.  She is also a founding steering committee member of the UT Austin Center for Health Interprofessional Practice and Education (IPE) with colleagues at Dell Medical School, School of Nursing and College of Pharmacy.

“I am thrilled to join Boston University School of Social Work as their next dean, and I am deeply grateful for my colleagues and friends who I have had the honor to work with over the past two decades at SHS.” Jones said. “At UT Austin, I have had unprecedented opportunities to work alongside incredible faculty, staff, students, and partners to to improve lives, enhance communities, and promote healthcare transformation and equity. I will be forever grateful for my time here.”

More on Barbara’s role at Boston University can be found on BU’s website.