UofL announces Kent School of Social Work & Family Science dean

The University of Louisville announced today it has chosen a diversity scholar and seasoned college administrator as the new dean of the top-rated Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science.   John W. Miller Jr., dean of curriculum and senior diversity officer at St. Norbert College, De Pere, Wisconsin, will begin July 1, pending approval by the UofL Board of Trustees.   “The Kent School has a rich tradition of producing exceptional research and dedicated practice and teaching,” Miller said. “I look forward to serving the Kent School as we prepare the next generation of social work and family science leaders.”    The Kent School, founded in 1936, is rated the No. 1 social work program in Kentucky and in the top 17% nationally by U.S. News and World Report.    “I believe that we have an exciting future ahead of us as we continue to expand our reputation as leaders in social justice, community outreach and innovative interdisciplinary scholarship,” Miller said.   Miller, a social worker, professor, scholar, community organizer and consultant, has held previous positions at Benedict College (Columbia, South Carolina) and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.   Among his research interests are the relationship between racism and adverse childhood experiences among African Americans. His textbook, “African American Perspectives: Matters of Consideration for Social Work Practice,” was published in 2017.     In 2017, Miller was selected as the Arkansas Social Worker of the Year by the Arkansas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.    He earned his Ph.D. in social work from the University of Tennessee, and both his master’s of social work and his bachelor of arts degree in experimental psychology from the University of South Carolina.   A native of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, Miller is married to Monika Miller and they have two sons, Alex and Andrew.