David Springer, Ph.D., LCSW, will rejoin the School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin as Centennial Professor in Leadership for Community, Professional, and Corporate Excellence, and University Distinguished Teaching Professor, effective mid-August.
Currently serving as dean of the College of Social Work at Florida State University, Springer is a nationally recognized leader in social work education. His distinguished career includes being named a Fellow of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare, a Fellow of the Society for Social Work and Research, and a Social Work Pioneer by the National Association of Social Workers. He has appeared on the Nonprofit Times Power & Influence Top 50 list and was honored as Social Worker of the Year by NASW Texas. Additional accolades include recognition by the British Journal of Social Work as one of the 100 most influential authors and designation as a Distinguished Alumnus by Florida State University.
“Our mission at UT Social Work is to prepare exceptional leaders who transform lives for good,” said Allan Cole, dean of UT Social Work. “When I think of leadership in social work education, I think of David Springer. His reputation and expertise are unsurpassed, and we are thrilled to welcome him back to the Forty Acres.”
Springer initially joined the UT faculty in 1997, previously serving as professor and associate dean for academic affairs at UT Social Work, where he co-founded and co-directed the Inter-American Institute for Youth Justice. Holding a joint faculty appointment in the LBJ School of Public Affairs, he also served as director of the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service and as interim dean of the LBJ School.
Reflecting on his return, Springer shared: “Having spent nearly three decades at UT Austin, this return feels both personal and purposeful. The work advancing across Texas is essential, and I am honored to collaborate with Dean Cole and the UT Social Work faculty on leadership and policy initiatives. I am deeply grateful to Florida State for the privilege of serving as dean and for the professional growth that opportunity provided. I look forward to bringing that experience back to UT and advancing scholarship that strengthens communities.”
A first-generation college graduate from Rockledge, Florida, Springer earned three degrees from Florida State University before beginning his career as a clinical social worker. His scholarship bridges direct practice, community building, and public policy, with expertise in positive youth development, juvenile justice, mental health and well-being, and leadership.