VCU news

By Mike Porter

James E. Hinterlong, Ph.D., has been named dean of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work, where he will direct all academic, research and fund development activities. The VCU School of Social Work’s graduate programs are ranked 14th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.

Hinterlong, who becomes dean effective July 1, is currently associate dean of the College of Social Work at Florida State University and serves as director of the university’s Institute for Social Work Research.

“Dr. Hinterlong's background, experiences, and passion for social work education provide a unique fit with the goals and core values of our School of Social Work,” said Beverly J. Warren, Ed.D., Ph.D., FACSM, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “As a recognized leader in the Council on Social Work Education, Dr. Hinterlong is well positioned to continue the school's trajectory as one of the top schools of social work in the country."

Hinterlong began his academic career at Washington University in St. Louis. He joined the faculty at Florida State University in 2002 as an assistant professor in the College of Social Work, became a tenured associate professor and director of the doctoral program in 2008 and was appointed associate dean and director of the Institute for Social Work Research in 2009.   

“The VCU School of Social Work has a distinguished history as one of the nation’s leading institutions for social work education and research. I am honored to join and lead its diverse and engaged faculty, staff and students,” Hinterlong said. “We will work with our graduates, community partners and university colleagues in addressing issues of social and economic justice. Together we will improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities here and around the globe.”

Hinterlong’s research interests have focused on interactions between demographic change; social policy formation; social service provision, with particular interest in the effects of population aging and productivity in later life; productivity and civic engagement in later life; and using information technology to enhance social work practice and instruction.

His teaching background includes courses in social welfare policy and services, gerontology, social policy and aging, quantitative analysis and information technology for social work.

VCU’s School of Social Work was established in 1917 as the Richmond School of Social Economy in response to the social and health needs of World War I veterans. The school’s mission later expanded into all areas of human service. It offers baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral-level programs.

Ann Nichols-Casebolt, Ph.D., has served as interim dean in the School of Social Work for nearly two years. She will continue serving as associate vice president for research development in VCU’s Office of the Vice President for Research.