Message from the Dean

We are delighted to introduce our new Dean of the Indiana University School of Social Work, Dr. Kalea Benner.

“I am thrilled to join the Indiana University School of Social Work where the incredible faculty and staff are the heart of the student experience,” said Dr. Kalea Benner. “I am committed to an environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, respect, and growth and am confident in our ability to collectively further the mission of the School. I look forward to joining you in this endeavor.”

Dean Benner brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles. At the University of Kentucky, she was the associate dean of academic and student affairs and the Doris Y. Wilkinson Distinguished Professor in Social Work Education, where she oversaw and contributed to significant growth in enrollment, research initiatives, budget management, and personnel development. In addition, Dr. Benner directed both graduate and undergraduate programs, while also publishing and presenting her research on national and international platforms.

At the University of Missouri, Dr. Benner led the Bachelor of Social Work program in the School of Social Work. As a licensed clinical social worker, Dr. Benner’s practice experience centered on child welfare and mental health, which also aligns with her research interests.

As we welcome Dean Benner to our community, we took the opportunity to ask a few questions to get to know her better:

What motivated you to pursue a career in social work?
Social work appealed to me because it is an incredibly versatile degree, spans multiple practice arenas, and emphasizes the individual, family, and community systems. I love the combination of grit and grace that social work brings to the problem-solving, change-creating work we do.

What makes the IU School of Social Work (IUSSW) unique?
Our strength at IUSSW lies within our diversity of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, contributing to a unique learning environment. Additionally, the commitment to research, particularly the emphasis that the IU School of Social Work places on community engaged research, strengthens communities and the individuals we serve. The faculty and staff of the School of Social Work provide an unparalleled experience for our students, resulting in a strong cadre of well-prepared alumni across the state, the region and the globe. As the leading provider of social work education in the state, IUSSW’s footprint across Indiana is unsurpassed.

What wisdom or guidance could you offer our current IU social work students?
First of all, we’re glad to be your academic home. The IU School of Social Work provides a significant breadth and depth of experiences and opportunities that I would encourage you to explore and engage in. Remember our world class faculty and staff are here to support you throughout your social work program and as you transition into your professional career. We look forward to your success as a student and as a social work practitioner.

Each day, how can we help at least one person?
As a profession, social work seeks to empower others in facilitating change to advance and ensure well-being. This commitment to others cannot take precedence over a similar commitment to our own well-being. We can help others daily by ensuring we see wellness holistically and something to be nurtured in all of us.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Dean Benner as she begins her journey with us. We look forward to working together to achieve new heights of success and excellence.