UTA names Goutham Menon interim dean of social work
Goutham M. Menon took on the role of interim dean of the School of Social Work on Aug. 1.
A nationally recognized leader in social work education, Dr. Menon most recently served as dean of the Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work. He worked collaboratively with faculty and staff to expand innovative academic programs, strengthen research and community engagement, broaden student pathways and elevate its national profile.
“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,” said Tamara L. Brown, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
Menon’s leadership experience also includes positions at the University of Nevada, Reno; the University of Texas at San Antonio; and the University of South Carolina. He previously served as an assistant professor at the UTA School of Social Work from 1996 to 1998, making his appointment a return to the University.
“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.”
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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 Social Work Pioneer by the National Association of Social Workers for his groundbreaking contributions to technology and innovation in social work practice and education.
Menon joins the school during a period of significant growth and national recognition. 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.
Related: UTA social work professor earns national award
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.
The University will begin a national search for a permanent dean of social work this fall.
Written by Thomas Johns, School of Social Work
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 300,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.