David Springer, Ph.D., LCSW, director of the RGK Center and LBJ School professor, has accepted a position as the Dean of the College of Social Work and the inaugural Guy and Delores Spearman Professor at Florida State University.

Prior to his work at the LBJ School, Springer served as associate dean for academic affairs and graduate advisor of the Steve Hicks School of Social Work (SHS) from 2001–2011, where he co-founded and directed the Inter-American Institute for Youth Justice. He first joined UT faculty in 1997.

“Returning to my alma mater as Dean of the FSU College of Social Work is a tremendous honor and I thank all those at UT who have collaborated with me for the past three decades,” Springer said. “In addition to my colleagues at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, I will forever be appreciative for the growth I experienced while serving at the Steve Hicks School.”

Springer is a decorated social worker who was well-recognized for his leading academic work at SHS. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare and fellow of the Society for Social Work and Research. He has been named to the Nonprofit Times Power & Influence Top 50, and named Social Worker of the Year, National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Texas Chapter/Austin. The British Journal of Social Work named him one of the 100 most influential social work journal authors, and the Florida State University College of Social Work named him a distinguished alumnus in social policy and administration.

“David is one of the most respected, appreciated, and capable leaders in social work education. His decade of service in the Steve Hicks School contributed significantly to our success and helped prepare thousands of outstanding professional social workers as well as scholars and teachers,” said Allan Cole, Dean of SHS. “I am excited for David and for our colleagues at FSU, and I am confident that David’s deanship will be marked by him helping those with whom he works to become better at what they do in service to human flourishing.”

“I am grateful to Dr. Springer for all his contributions to the LBJ School, the RGK Center and UT,” said JR DeShazo, Dean of the LBJ School of Public Affairs. “As we pursue our mission in a divided political climate, I trust we can carry on Dr. Springer’s legacy of cultivating respectful, authentic relationships in our community; making others feel heard; and bringing a spirit of service and care as we work toward the public good.”

More on David Springer’s role at FSU can be found on Florida State’s site and at the LBJ School.