The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS) has named Alan Ellis as the executive director and head of the  School of Social Work.               

Before his official appointment, Ellis served the school as associate head and, most recently, as interim executive director and head. Since joining CHASS in 2014, Ellis’s core teaching and research areas include mental health services, child mental health, program evaluation and social justice.

“Alan has demonstrated the leadership acumen required to lead the school effectively and has brought stability to the unit,” said Deanna Dannels, dean of the college. “His visionary approach to social work education, his advocacy for the department and his ability to navigate our current institutional landscape make him a wonderful person for this position.”

Ellis will guide the school with a values-based leadership philosophy. “My core values are clarity, empathy, integrity, purpose and trust,” he said. “These values guide my leadership philosophy, which includes four principles focused on relationships: maintaining mutual respect and trust; practicing effective communication and conflict resolution; sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization; and supporting people to work effectively.”

As department head, Ellis brings 30 years of professional experience in social work to his new role. Enhancing that experience are his two social work degrees — an MSW and a Ph.D., both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and Spanish from Dartmouth College.

Additionally, Ellis has been successful in navigating complex funding landscapes and securing competitive grants. He has written numerous articles for various publications, including the Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, the Journal of Hospital Medicine.