The provost at the University of Texas at Arlington has appointed Dr. Goutham M. Menon as interim dean of the School of Social Work, effective Aug. 1.
"I am pleased to announce that Dr. Goutham M. Menon will serve as interim dean of the School of Social Work," said Dr. Tamara L. Brown, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
Menon joins the School during a period of significant growth and national recognition. Often listed as the third-largest social work school in the country, the School continues to strengthen its reputation through record-setting achievements in research, student success, philanthropy, and community engagement while expanding opportunities for the next generation of social work leaders.
The School ranks among the nation's top research institutions, with faculty publishing more than 200 peer-reviewed articles annually, placing UTA in the top 3% of 319 graduate social work programs nationwide for research productivity. The Master of Social Work program has also reached record enrollment and climbed to No. 43 in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings.
"His distinguished record of leadership, scholarship and service, along with his commitment to expanding educational access, promoting student success and preparing social workers to meet emerging societal needs, will help strengthen the School's momentum and support the important work of our faculty, staff and students,” Brown said.
A nationally recognized leader in social work education, Menon most recently served as dean of the Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work. There, he worked collaboratively with faculty and staff to expand innovative academic programs, strengthen research and community engagement, broaden student pathways and elevate the School's national profile.
His leadership experience also includes positions at the University of Nevada, Reno; the University of Texas at San Antonio; and the University of South Carolina. Menon previously served as a faculty member at UTA, making his appointment a return to the University.
Widely respected for his forward-looking approach to social work education, Menon has helped shape national conversations on technology-enhanced education, workforce development and professional preparation. In 2024, he was recognized as a National Association of Social Workers Social Work Pioneer for his groundbreaking contributions to technology and innovation in social work practice and education.
University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work Interim Dean, Dr. Goutham Menon, poses for a photo. (Courtesy Photo)
Menon, who served as an assistant professor at the UTA School of Social Work from 1996 to 1998, shared insights about his first steps.
“I'm honored to step in as your Interim Dean this year. I've spent time learning and getting to know this remarkable school, and one thing is clear: the School is already running beautifully,” Menon said. “We're staying the course with our current strategic plan, no substitutions, no last, minute changes. The recipe that's gotten us this far, a combination of strong programs, dedicated faculty and staff, and a genuine commitment to our students and communities, is the one we're sticking with. My job this year is simply to help us execute it well, together.”
Menon assumes leadership as the School continues to expand its impact beyond the classroom. More than 400 community agencies partner with the School each year, providing internship opportunities that generate more than 540,000 hours of experiential learning annually.
The School has also strengthened student support through the CARE Fund, which provides emergency financial assistance, and the Serena Simmons Connelly Memorial Endowed Graduate Fellowship, established through a transformational $1 million gift to support future social work leaders. The School has also launched its fully online Doctor of Social Work program, creating a new pathway for experienced practitioners to become educators, leaders and advanced practitioners.
The School recently launched its Center for Lifelong Learning to provide continuing education and workforce development opportunities for helping professionals, and last year relaunched its Center for Child Welfare, further expanding research and community partnerships focused on improving outcomes for children and families. The School also plans to reopen its Center for Clinical Social Work later this year.
The university will begin a national search for a permanent dean of social work this fall.