By Jaelon Jackson
School of Social Work
School of Social Work and Smart Hospital Building
The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work is celebrating a series of faculty promotions and preparing to welcome new scholars to its academic community this fall.
Dr. Anne Nordberg has been promoted to Full Professor, marking a significant milestone in her career at UTA. Nordberg said the recognition is both thrilling and deeply meaningful.
“I am thrilled to be Full Professor at UTA!” she said. “Becoming a full professor has been my dream for many years. Professionally, I wanted to strive for Full because there are not enough women in this type of role in the college, and I wanted to be sure to be part of a legacy of role models.”
Reflecting on her journey, Nordberg said her greatest reward has been the people she’s worked with.
“Hands down, it’s the people I work with in SSW and across the university,” she said. “I love the professional and personal connections I have made in my journey to Full, and I am especially grateful for the support and friendship of the women in my cohort.”
Looking ahead, she said she looks forward to contributing to the school’s future.
“I am excited to find new ways to support my colleagues, to build trust within the SSW, and contribute to a dynamic leadership team.”
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Effective Sept. 1, 2025, several additional faculty members have also earned promotions. Dr. Saltanat Childress, Dr. Sophia Fantus, Dr. Genevieve Graaf and Dr. Rebecca Mauldin have been promoted to Associate Professor with tenure. LaShaunn Bold, Kiva Harper and Pamela Johnson have been promoted to Professor of Practice.
“These promotions and new faculty appointments reflect the extraordinary talent, dedication, and forward momentum of our School,” said Dean Kirk Foster. “We are not only recognizing outstanding achievements by current faculty, but also welcoming fresh perspectives that will help shape the future of social work education, research, and community impact.”
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The School of Social Work will also welcome several new faculty members beginning in Fall 2025.
Dr. Carol Lee will join as an Assistant Professor (tenure-track) following a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan School of Medicine. Her research focuses broadly on addictions, and she will contribute to UTA’s RISE100 initiative.
Dr. Yun Chen will also join as an Assistant Professor (tenure-track). She is completing her Ph.D. in social work and anthropology at the University of Michigan, with research interests in international social work, illicit drug use and social policy.
Aaron Burgess will join the faculty as an Assistant Professor of Practice. A licensed social worker in Connecticut and Alabama, Burgess is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of North Alabama and brings extensive experience in child welfare.
Kathryn Sohne, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and UTA alumna, will join as an Assistant Professor of Practice. She currently serves as a health and wellness counselor at Fort Worth Country Day School.
The School of Social Work is proud to celebrate the achievements of its faculty and looks forward to a new academic year strengthened by both experienced and emerging voices in the field.